POLICE are appealing for witnesses to a robbery at a rural church, in a hoard of historical and religious objects.

Thieves broke into St Marys Church in the village of Sheering and stole several items including 14th-century with ornate carvings of kings, queens and knights, which police say is of historical significance.

Robbers also made off with three pairs of brass candlesticks, a three foot-high ceramic wafer container with lid, a wooden box with detailed marquetry, and an antique wooden table.

Officers confirmed the robbery took place between 9am on Monday March 29 and 3.30pm on Saturday April 3.

The church is currently empty after fire damage earlier in the year forced it to close.

Anyone with information should contact detectives at Essex Police on 0300 333 4444 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.