A WOODEN crucifixion cross used at funerals was stolen from a Kidderminster church.

The cross, with had a brass figure of Jesus on it, was taken from the altar of St Ambrose Roman Catholic church in Birmingham Road while the church was open between 8.20am and 10.45amlast Friday.

The cross is described as approximately 3ft long and was between two and four and a half inches thick.

It was very heavy, and had been made for the parish priest, Father Douglas Lamb, at his previous church in Stourport. It was used at funerals at St Ambrose.

PC Andy Forbes of West Mercia Police said: “It is absolutely sickening that someone went into a church and took a cross which is clearly of huge importance and value.

“We hope that someone will have noticed the offender leaving the church with the cross and likely loading it into a vehicle as they would not have been able to carry it very far.

“We are also appealing to the person responsible to have second thoughts and return it, or leave it undamaged somewhere where it can be found.

“Witnesses or anyone with information are asked to contact the police on our non-emergency number 101 quoting incident 270-s-100114 or ring the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.”