The Dean of Birmingham Cathedral has appealed for the return of a stolen book of condolence for the families of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman.

The Very Reverend Gordon Mursell said he was "shocked" when he first realised the book had gone missing on Saturday.

A man had earlier been spotted acting strangely near where the book was stored, he added.

It was one of five books at the cathedral which have been signed by thousands of well-wishers over the last week.

Thousands signed the books for the girls

Mr Mursell said: "This mindless theft is a terrible insult both to the people of Birmingham and to the families to whom it was going to be sent.

"It seems such a sick and perverse thing to do that I just hope and appeal that the person responsible will think twice and bring it back again."

He added he thought the thief might be someone with "a grudge against all the concern and love and support going to the families of these two girls".

Mr Mursell said the cathedral would not report the thief if he decided to bring the book back.

The cathedral has kept its remaining books of condolence open for a few more days to allow people to sign the book again.

They will then be sent to Soham to be passed onto the families of Holly and Jessica in Soham, Cambridgeshire.