The community at a historic Dorset abbey have been left 'deeply shocked' after the building was broken into and valuable items stolen.

Sherborne Abbey was the target of a recent burglary which saw thieves break through a door causing significant damage and take off with a large amount of silver items.

The Revd Martin Lee, Rector of Sherborne Abbey, said: “This is an extremely sad day for the Abbey and indeed for our community. We are all deeply shocked by this crime and now must work hard to deal with the consequences and support all those in our community who are affected by this act of desecration to our beautiful Abbey.”

It is understood that the theft took place between 9pm on Tuesday, August 6 and 1am on Wednesday, August 7.

Dorset Police believe that the offenders entered through the Abbey Close end of the building and then exited near Church Lane.

A diocesan spokesperson said, “We are deeply saddened to hear of the theft at Sherborne Abbey and the damage that has been incurred on one of the most significant and beautiful churches in the Diocese and wider Church of England.

"Such actions are deeply upsetting for the community, who have lost items of value to both the town and the Abbey. Our thoughts and prayers are with the community at this distressing time.”

Sherborne Abbey will remain closed for the rest of the day as police investigations continue and will reopen tomorrow morning.

Police Community Support Officer Mark Jones, of Sherborne Police, said: “Sherborne Abbey is a historic landmark of significant cultural value to not just the town but the whole county and we are carrying out enquiries into this burglary to identify those responsible.

“We are keen to trace the movement of the offenders in the areas of Hospital Lane, Abbey Road, Church Lane and Half Moon Street so I would ask local residents to please check their home CCTV and doorbell cameras to see if they have captured anything of relevance.

“I would also urge any motorists driving in the area at the time of the offence to please review their dashcams to see if they have captured any footage which may aid our investigation.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55240120614.

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.