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Baby Jesus stolen from St Annes Square nativity scene | Baby Jesus stolen from St Annes Square nativity scene |
(35 minutes later) | |
Baby Jesus has been stolen from his manger in a town centre nativity scene. | Baby Jesus has been stolen from his manger in a town centre nativity scene. |
Reverend Christopher Scargill, of St Thomas's Church, St Annes, Lancashire, said the figure was taken from St Annes Square overnight on Thursday. | Reverend Christopher Scargill, of St Thomas's Church, St Annes, Lancashire, said the figure was taken from St Annes Square overnight on Thursday. |
He said police are investigating but an amnesty was in place and it could be returned to any church in the parish with "no questions asked". | He said police are investigating but an amnesty was in place and it could be returned to any church in the parish with "no questions asked". |
"Christmas is a time of forgiveness," Mr Scargill said, urging the thief to return it. | "Christmas is a time of forgiveness," Mr Scargill said, urging the thief to return it. |
Mr Scargill said: "I can't understand what would make anybody think that this was a good idea - or even a funny idea - to take it out of the crib." | Mr Scargill said: "I can't understand what would make anybody think that this was a good idea - or even a funny idea - to take it out of the crib." |
The Italian figure was in a locked "but not very secure" cabinet in the square. | The Italian figure was in a locked "but not very secure" cabinet in the square. |
Mr Scargill said it was particularly special as the scene was a "collective effort" by all of St Annes' churches. | |
Mr Scargill said he had tried to order a replacement Jesus but it was out of stock. | Mr Scargill said he had tried to order a replacement Jesus but it was out of stock. |
"Fortunately a businessman and former pupil at St Thomas' Church School, Sam Stones offered a baby Jesus figure last night to use until the original is returned," he added. | "Fortunately a businessman and former pupil at St Thomas' Church School, Sam Stones offered a baby Jesus figure last night to use until the original is returned," he added. |
Although smaller than the stolen one, he said "at least we won't be without a Jesus in the crib". | Although smaller than the stolen one, he said "at least we won't be without a Jesus in the crib". |
Latest news and updates from the North West of England | Latest news and updates from the North West of England |
Joan Wilson called the culprit "low life scum" on St Thomas's Church Facebook page and Margaret Summerton said it was "senseless". | Joan Wilson called the culprit "low life scum" on St Thomas's Church Facebook page and Margaret Summerton said it was "senseless". |
Stephanie Cheetham said: "Sounds like the plot to Angela's Christmas... sure it wasn't a child?" | Stephanie Cheetham said: "Sounds like the plot to Angela's Christmas... sure it wasn't a child?" |
In the Netflix film based on the Frank McCourt book, a young girl takes baby Jesus on Christmas Eve to keep him warm. | In the Netflix film based on the Frank McCourt book, a young girl takes baby Jesus on Christmas Eve to keep him warm. |
Mr Scargill, who believes it was a "stupid prank", said: "It would be nice to think it was a small child trying to look after Jesus and doing something good though." | Mr Scargill, who believes it was a "stupid prank", said: "It would be nice to think it was a small child trying to look after Jesus and doing something good though." |
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