Lincolnshire Police are appealing for witnesses after a ‘priceless’ medical cross stone was stolen from a church on Saturday.

"We do not have a value for the cross, but it is priceless to the church in historical terms," a police spokesperson said.

The stolen artefact, which was taken from St John the Baptist Church in Great Carlton, is a stone carving depicting a figure. Its dimensions are recorded as 35cm in height and 30cm in width.

The church is a Grade II listed edifice, which underwent reconstruction in 1861. The church houses artefacts dating back to the Neolithic period, which are displayed within its main interior. Its distinctive feature is the avenue of lime trees leading to the churchyard. 

Serving the communities of Great and Little Carlton, the church operates as a Community Church, conducting two monthly services: a Holy Communion and a locally-led Morning Prayer Service.

The church also hosts afternoon village services during major festivals, as well as various special services and events throughout the year.

Lincolnshire Police are appealing for information to help with their inquiries: "We would like to hear from anyone who may have any information, CCTV or dashcam footage that may help with our appeal. Anyone with any information can call us on 101 and quote incident 183 of August 20."