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A religious item has been stolen from Arrowe Park Hospital's chapel, prompting an appeal for information.
As reported by the Wirral Globe, the tabernacle was taken shortly after 12:50 pm on Wednesday (September 23), Wirral NHS Hospitals said.
It is a cylindrical brass item, measuring about 45 to 60cm tall, with a dome top and sliding door. The tabernacle is significant to the chapel as the name means a "dwelling place" or "tent" of God. Its intention is intended to house God's glory, according to some religious sources. In many churches and chapels, it's used to store the consecrated bread and wine (the Eucharist).
Reports say a man was seen putting the item on a wheelchair and pushing it out of the chapel, towards the football pitches on Arrowe Park Road.
Just recently, at the nearby Arrowe Park playing fields, there was another theft of some goalposts owned by Wirral Council, found to be worth £2,500. A 29-year-old man from Woodchurch appeared in court for the theft on 22 September.
The man in question is described as white and of slim build. At the time, he was wearing a grey and black bobble hat, a surgical mask, a dark coat, jogging bottoms and trainers. He was also carrying a black Adidas bag with red font.
Wirral NHS Hospitals said the tabernacle pictured in its appeal is an example only. The stolen item does not have a cross on top.
Anyone who saw anything suspicious or knows where the tabernacle is has been asked to contact Merseyside Police on 101, quoting reference 26000782221. Information can also be sent to @MerPolCC on Facebook or X, or reported online through the force's website.
