Police are appealing for information after a stone cross was stolen from Sidmouth Parish Church graveyard and later used in a jewellery shop raid.

The Herald has previously reported how a balaclava-clad criminal targeted Haydn Welch jewellers in High Street, using the concrete tombstone to break down a locked door.

Officers are now seeking information about any suspicious activity seen around the graveyard on or before Friday, December 18.

PCSO Chris Bolsover, of Sidmouth’s neighbourhood policing team, said the grave was also damaged when the stone cross was taken.

He asked anyone who might be able to assist officers with their enquiries to call 101 and quote crime reference CR/086998/15.