Silverware worth about £90,000 has been stolen from Fowlmere’s historic parish church.

The theft of the sacred objects, some of which date back hundreds of years, happened at St Mary’s Church in the High Street, and could have happened between about midnight on Sunday, May 29 and 1am on Sunday.

It’s believed the thieves entered the church during the day while it was open to the public, then entered the community room where the antique silverware was stored in a safe.

A silver saucer and a ewer were taken, along with a silver chalice and lid which was inscribed with the message ‘For the towen of Fowlmer 1569’ and marked with a fish.

PC David Astley said: “I would like to hear from anyone who recalls being in the area at the time and may have seen anything suspicious to come forward.

“The items were of significant value to the church, both in monetary and sentimental terms.

“I would also appeal to anyone who may have been offered the items for sale to contact police.”

Anyone with information is asked to call PC Astley on 101.

Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their online reporting system – visit the website at crimestoppers-uk.org for more.