Gardaí in Thurles are investigating the theft of two religious artefacts from Holycross Abbey in Co Tipperary yesterday.
Two suspects entered the abbey at about 5.00pm yesterday. Both had their faces covered and were armed with a portable angle grinder, a hammer and screwdriver.
The first cross stolen is approximately 12in in height, hanging from a chain and containing two crosses and two dark stones. Made from silver, it is estimated to date from the 14th century.
The second cross is described as being 12in in height, standing on its own base and made from gold and bronze.
The suspects left the scene after a few minutes and were observed getting into a wine or red VW Touareg vehicle with the partial registration number 06 OY or 06 LK. There was another person in this vehicle waiting for the two suspects.
This jeep headed toward Yellow Lough and was later discovered set alight a short distance from the lough. A dark coloured saloon car was seen in the vicinity of where the vehicle was burnt out, travelling at high speed. It is unconfirmed if this vehicle was connected with the theft.
Gardaí would like anybody with any information, particularly anyone who may have noticed a VW Touareg (06 OY or 06 LK) in the last number of weeks, to contact them.
They would also like to speak to anyone who saw a dark coloured saloon car in the area of Yellow Lough or Holycross. They are appealing for witnesses to contact them at Thurles Garda station on 0504 25100.