THE owner of more than 500 photographs dating back to the Victorian era is being sought after a suitcase was dumped in a town.

PCSO Chris Hamer has urged people to come forward to help solve the mystery of a collection of vintage photographs that were found in Bacup last year.

Several appeals were put out by PSCO Hamer throughout the year and no one has been found.

PSCO Hamer, who covers Bacup, Britannia, Weir, Sharneyford and Stacksteads, said believes the photographs were possibly stolen.

He said: "There's two named identified on the letters, a Leslie H Hamer and a Mrs J Hamer.

"It's very coincidental I share the last name with them, but we are desperate to return them to their rightful owners.

"One photograph was dated 1915 and I am sure others are older as the people in the photos are dressed in Victorian clothing and would have had to stand in a straight position for a long time.

"These are someone's memories, they will belong to someone and it would be great to get them back.

"They were found in Bacup last year just dumped on a road.

"It is possible the families in the pictures have spent time in Rochdale and Rhyl.

"I think the suitcases were stolen and when they were found to have nothing inside they were abandoned."

A small decorated tin was also found inside the suitcase containing several photographs, all in good condition.

It contained several smaller photographs from around the same time period.

PSCO Hamer said: "It's great to look into someone's history and look how everything has changed.

"I do hope someone can come to us and take these home, it would be great to get them back before Christmas.

"If anyone has any information or know's the owner of these pictures, ask them to come to Bacup Police Station in Lane End Road during opening hours and enquire about the photographs."

Those with information can also contact PSCO Hamer on christopher.hamer@lancashire.pnn.police.uk.