A medieval burial slab has been stolen from St Mary's church, Foy. The portion of a child's medieval stone tablet carved in bas relief shows a woman wearing a cloak. It measures 51cm in length and tapers from 35cm to 29cm wide being 8.5cm thick.

In common with many churches in the area the entire contents of St Mary's has been described in detail, photographed and measured by the local branch of NADFAS (National Association of Decorative and Fine Arts). The stone has also been marked with Smartwater, the DNA forensic tracing system, which will have soaked well into the stonework.

Churchwarden Andrew Netting told the Ross Gazette that it is most disappointing that thieves consider items which are part of our national heritage as a target but it unfortunately reflects present times.

Any person who has any information should contact Hereford Police on the control room number which is 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Mr Netting is hopeful that with the detailed description, photographs and tracing system it will make the piece unsaleable and it will soon be recovered.