Police are investigating after thieves stole a lectern sculpture from a church in Devon.
Describing the theft as “deeply sad and upsetting”, the vicar of St Paul’s in Yelverton, Rev Andrew Thomas said the hand-carved wooden eagle had been sawn off the lectern on Monday evening.
He told the BBC:"I was deeply sad that someone thought this act of violence and entitlement was something that was ok to do.
"We work very hard here at St Paul's Yelverton to make the churches as inclusive and welcoming and open as we possibly can.
"So, the fact someone thought this was a great thing for them to do, to come in and do this, was deeply, deeply sad and really quite upsetting.”
Devon and Cornwall Police are appealing for people to get in touch if they have any information or CCTV footage which may help the investigation.
Rev Thomas said he didn’t know the age of the sculpture, but believed it to be “unique” and an antique. He added: "It is, in that respect, irreplaceable, so, yes... there is a little bit of anger and a little bit of annoyance.
“If anyone sees anybody walking down the street with a great big eagle under their arm, please do give me a call; or better than that, call the police because we would like it back."