Detectives are hunting a gang who broke into a historic church and stole items including an chalice used in services for more than 400 years.
The thieves smashed through three locked doors at All Saints Church in Chingford to get to a safe, which they then dragged out of a window and down a road.
The chalice, estimated to be worth £20,000, has a watermark dating back to 1595 and has been used in the parish since then.
Reverand Andy Trenier said: “I can’t fathom how someone can do that to a church.
“It’s been used every week in Chingford for 400 years.
“It’s more than sentimental, it’s a piece of the parish that has been stolen. It’s totally irreplaceable. It’s quite plain with worn silver and a rose stem pattern.”
Another stolen chalice has since been recovered following the burglary between November 21 and 22 last year.
But police are seeking to trace the person who sold the other religious pieces, which included the chalice, a chattel and a ciborium.
PC Nicole Garcia, said: “These items are of great importance to the church and its congregation. I would urge anyone who has been offered them for sale to contact us. They are quite distinctive and would have stood out.
“The idea that someone would break into a place of worship is cause for concern and I would encourage anyone with information to come forward.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact officers at the North-East Command Unit via 101 quoting reference 2174/22Nov18.
Alternatively, they can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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