Howden Minster theft destroys 700-year-old glass
Thieves have caused damage to medieval stained glass at Howden Minster which will cost thousands of pounds to repair.
The burglary, on 2 October, came just hours after a service marking the end of a £1.2m restoration of the building.
The thieves damaged two panels of glass to gain access to the building.
It is estimated the damage will cost £7,000 to repair but the thieves only stole an open bottle of communion wine and a few pounds in cash.
The Reverend James Little, rector at the Minster, said: "Most of the glass was 700 years old and it was the only medieval glass we have in the Minster.
"Many churches in this part of the world, outside York, have none at all. It is a huge blow coming so soon after finishing the restoration work."
Restoration experts in York are attempting to repair the damaged panels.
The break-in is the second at the Minster in the last fortnight and Humberside Police are investigating.