Thieves who stole antiques worth �1,350 from a Suffolk church knew what they were looking for, police believe.

The items stolen, in the weekend raid on St Mary, Barking, near Needham Market, include a rare musical instrument called a serpent and a funeral mask.

The thieves also took a Jacobean sanctuary chair, a pair of brass candlesticks and four silver candlesticks.

Damage to value of �500 was caused to a window by the thieves to gain entry to the church.

The serpent is a rare instrument

A Suffolk police spokesman said: "We are appealing for any witnesses to come forward.

"It might be that some of these items may appear in antique shops or appear in auctions so people should be aware of this."