Cross at medieval meeting place in Cambridgeshire stolen

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Saxon Cross at Sutton Crossways near PeterboroughImage source, Cambridgeshire Police
Image caption,
The cross marks the former meeting place of the council of the Nassaburgh Hundred

A vicar says he is "exasperated" after a restored cross on the site of a medieval meeting place in Cambridgeshire was stolen.

The hand-crafted cross was taken from Sutton Crossways near Ailsworth, Peterborough, between 20 and 22 July, police said.

The site was restored in 2002 to mark the Queen's Golden Jubilee.

Local vicar William Burke said stone carvings had been targeted many times in the area due to their high value.

"We've had stone stolen from churchyards before. It's often taken to car boot sales and antique dealers," he said.

The cross is 180-years-old and about 20in (51cm) high. The pillar it rested on remains on the site.

Rev Burke said the site was originally destroyed around the time of the Battle of Naseby in 1645, but it was restored to its former glory 12 years ago.

Cambridgeshire Police said the cross was taken at some point between 08:00 BST on 20 July and 14:00 on 22 July. It has appealed for witnesses.

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