Thieves broke into the church and stole the statue of St Andrew

The offenders struck at St Andrew's Church, in South Lopham, near Diss, some time between 1800 BST Tuesday, 13 May and 1000 BST Wednesday, 14 May.

It is believed the thieves smashed a leaded window in order to break into the church and steal the statue of St Andrew.

The figure of St Andrew is dressed in a beige robe and a red cloak lined with gold.

He is holding a shoulder height wooden cross.

The figure is set in a pottery plinth on top of a wooden base.

Norfolk police are keen to speak to anyone who may know anything about the break in.

Church warden Peter Reeder said it was heart breaking to see the damage.

To steal from a church beneath contempt Suzanne Crannage, Norfolk Police spokeswoman

Suzanne Crannage, spokeswoman for Norfolk Police, said: "To steal from a church beneath contempt.

"The statue is quite unusual so someone somewhere must know of its whereabouts.

"It is not the kind of item you would expect to be offered for sale and we would urge anyone with any information to get in touch immediately.