A 15TH Century knight’s helmet from a church in Navestock with thousands of pounds damage being caused in the process.

The item was taken from St Thomas The Apostle church in Shonks Mill Lane at some point between either 2pm and 7pm on November 26 or 9am and 2.30pm on November 27.

The building had been open during both dates and the crook also damaged a marble monument which the helmet was on as they stole it.

Anyone with information about the whereabouts of the helmet is urged to call Pc Simone Wade or her colleagues at Ongar CID on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.