Gilded icon stolen from university chapel

The sacred painting was taken from the Chapel of Magdalene College in Cambridge

A gilded icon has been stolen from a University of Cambridge college church.

The sacred painting of the Virgin and Child was taken from the Chapel of Magdalene College in the city between between 24 and 25 September.

It depicts the Virgin and Child with two archangels, is painted on a wooden board measuring about 35 x 25cm (14in x 14in) and 2.5cm (1in) thick, and has a gold-leafed background and a red border.

The Dean of Chapel, the Reverend Sarah Atkins, said the church was open to members of the public and "the icon vanished from its place beside the altar", but they hoped it would be returned.

The icon was donated to the chapel by Prof Eamon Duffy in 2009 to commemorate the 30th anniversary of his election as a fellow.

It was created by Dom Anselm Shobrook, a noted icon-writer and monk of the Anglican Benedictine monastery at Alton in Hampshire, and, as it was a gift to the college, Ms Atkins said she was unable to put a specific value to the artwork.

She said: "I was saddened to discover the icon vanished from its place beside the altar, and all that this means for those for whom it has been a beloved part of the chapel and a treasured aid to prayer.

"As a place of worship, the chapel is open to the public for prayer and reflection and we are glad to welcome those who pass by, as well as members of the college, to step inside to sit in its peace, or to services with our excellent choir.

"This comes with a risk, as so many places of worship know. But remaining open is not only a matter of principle but an act of trust in the kindness of strangers - perhaps that same kindness might yield the whereabouts of the icon in time.

PC Emily-Jayne Matthews, from Cambridgeshire Police, said: "The icon holds great value to those who are connected with it.

"We would like to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time and may have seen anything suspicious.

"We would also like to hear from anyone who may have seen the item for sale or may know of its whereabouts."