Two priceless medieval panels depicting saints have been stolen from a remote church.
A third was damaged when thieves cut the artworks from a choir screen at 15th-century Holy Trinity church in Torbryan, Devon.
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Paintings of God, Mary and the Apostles are two a penny in English churches, which is why it is possible these thieves targeted lesser saints as they are much rarer, said Dr Neil Rushton.
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This is the best example of this type of medieval art in this country. They are as unique and priceless as a Turner or a Rembrandt and are irreplaceable. They are intrinsic to this building and the theft devalues the whole church.
The panels, about 18in by 6in, were part of a series of 40 depicting God, Mary, the Apostles and other saints set in a rood or choir screen that was a common feature in medieval church architecture.
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