Thieves 'steal' statue of Jesus from church in Salford using 'electric saw'

The statue of Jesus was originally in the parish's old church and "means so much" to the residents. Credit: Our Lady of Hope

A statue of Jesus on a crucifix has been "stolen" using an 'electric saw' from outside a church.

A kneeling angel and kneeling figure of St Bernadette were also thought to have been swiped from St Luke's in Irlams o'th Height, Salford.

A post shared by The Parish of Our Lady of Hope said it suspects the three statues were taken with the use of an electric saw and that 'drag marks' on the ground show the figures were likely taken to a vehicle in the car park.

The parish is urging any potential witnesses to come forward and is asking local residents to check their doorbell cameras to establish an exact time the figures were stolen.

It is currently thought they were taken at some stage overnight between January 21 and 22.

The statue was taken from the front of the church. Credit: Our Lady of Hope

Parishioner Paul Ashton said: “The parishioners are shocked that such a theft should happen to us.

"The statue of Jesus on the crucifix was originally in our old church and means so much to us.

"It is not just our parishioners, but also our neighbours, who find it unbelievable that we should be targeted in this way.

"We would ask anyone who is offered these statues to get in touch with us and we are grateful for any information that will help get these three statues returned to us.”

Responding to the post, one person wrote: "Absolutely heartbreaking. Disgraceful" as another said: "That’s disgusting! Is nothing sacred?"

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