'Irreplaceable' eagle lectern stolen from church
HandoutA hand-carved wooden eagle has been stolen from a church in Devon.
Rev Andrew Thomas, of St Paul's in Yelverton, said the sculpture was sawn off a lectern on Monday evening.
Mr Thomas said there had were clear signs of sawing on the carpet and described the theft as "deeply sad".
Devon and Cornwall Police said the "local team are making inquiries".
"I was deeply sad that someone thought this act of violence and entitlement was something that was ok to do," Mr Thomas said.
"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.
"It's a unique piece, it's clearly been carved by hand sometime in the past.
"We don't know how old it is, we think it is an antique.
"It is, in that respect, irreplaceable, so, yes... there is a little bit of anger and a little bit of annoyance."
Sgt Tom Ottley, of Devon and Cornwall Police, said: "The local team are making enquiries in relation to this report and are appealing for anyone with information to get in touch.
"If you were in the area and witnessed any suspicious behaviour, please make sure you tell us.
"If you live in the area and may have dashcam, CCTV or doorbell footage which may help, you can send that in too."
Rev Thomas added: "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."
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