Brazen thieves stole a large statue of Jesus outside a church using a chainsaw.
It was taken from the front garden alongside two others
The figure depicts Jesus on a crucifix.
A kneeling sculpture of St Bernadette and a kneeling angel were also thieved from St Lukes, in Salford, Gtr Mancs.
Parish members of the church say that the crucifix was sawn at the base.
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They also believe it was dragged across the car park and into a van after spotting trail marks on the floor.
The church has issued a desperate plea to track down the heartless crooks.
They ask locals who may have overheard the sound of a saw to come forward and share further details.
They have also asked them to check their doorbell or CCTV footage of areas surrounding the car park between 21 January from 8.30pm to 22 January at 6am.
A spokesperson for Our Lady of Hope Parish said: “Statues stolen from the front of St Luke’s.
”If anyone notices anything that may help, please do get in touch.
”The three statues are, Jesus on crucifix, the crucifix was sawn at the base.
“Kneeling figure of St Bernadette.
“Kneeling angel.
“Specifically of interest is, if you heard the sound of a portable electric saw.
”This was probably not cut with a handsaw.”
Locals were left horrified by the theft.
Maureen Crowley fumed: “Makes me feel very sad.
”Does anyone have any respect for anything?”
Chris said: “That’s disgusting.
”Is nothing sacred.
”Absolutely heartbreaking, disgraceful,” said Jez Raghallaigh.
”How cruel,” said Philomena Brennan.
Sheena Mclean said: “Sad world we live in.”
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