A THOUSAND pound reward has been offered for any information that could lead to the return of a bronze crucifix stolen from a church.

Last Thursday morning (May 13) police received a report that the cross – which includes a bronzed sculpture of Jesus Christ – had been taken from All Saints Church in Gosforth, Newcastle, overnight.

The highly sentimental bronze crucifix was erected in the church’s garden of remembrance in 1965 where the ashes of many loved ones have been scattered.

However, the cross has still not been returned and there is now a £1,000 reward is on offer through the charity Crimestoppers for any information that leads to its return.

Neighbourhood Inspector Harninder Bola, of Northumbria Police, said: “We have been carrying out extensive enquiries since last week but unfortunately the crucifix has not been located.

“It is a highly sentimental piece of the remembrance garden at All Saints and the church and everyone associated with the parish are absolutely devastated.

“Everyone is looking for this item and if this crucifix is in your position then we want you to know there is no value in keeping it in your possession.

“Anyone who has information about its possible whereabouts is asked to contact police and we are now in a position to offer a reward.

“If you supply information through the independent charity Crimestoppers then you could receive up to £1,000 if that information leads to the return of the crucifix.

“Please do the right thing and contact us at the earliest opportunity so we can ensure the church and its community can bring it back to their remembrance garden.”

Anyone with information about the theft, that took place overnight between Wednesday, May 12, and Thursday, May 13, is asked to report it online at the Northumbria Police website quoting log 203 13/05/21.

To be eligible for the reward you must report information through the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800-555111.