Police trace stolen sculpture to Moreton Morrell

Warwickshire Police launched Operation Icarus to help return a number of valuables which are believed to have been stolen from churches across the UK.

A public appeal for help helped reveal Moreton Morrell as the rightful home of one object which was previously only believed to have come from somewhere in Warwickshire.

The square shaped stone is carved into the form of a face and head, but appears to be worn and significantly damaged.

A police spokesperson said: “It will be returned to its rightful owner in due course.

“Police would like to thank those who shared their appeal to help identify the owner.”

Operation Icarus is led by West Mercia Police and has been running since 2013 to try and fine out where a large number of stolen items belong.

A total of 39 objects have so far been returned to churches around England.

A 50-year-old man from Wales is on bail until late September after being arrested on suspicion of theft.