VALUABLE silverware has been stolen from a University chapel.


Sussex Police is appealing for information about the theft of about £100,000 worth of silverware from the chapel at the University of Sussex in Falmer, near Brighton.


Missing items include silver chalices, two of which were designed by noted sculptor Hans Coper, and other religious artefacts.


The thief struck between 1.50pm and 2.20pm on Friday, December 7, breaking through locked doors and containers in the two-storey circular Meeting House which stands next to the university's Falmer House.


Police believe he ran away with the items in a black rucksack towards the university's Pevensey block.


It is possible he then boarded a bus or got into another vehicle.


The suspect is a man in his 30s, of mixed race, 6ft tall and of medium build, bald and with facial stubble. 


He was wearing a blue puffer jacket over a grey hooded top, grey tracksuit bottoms and Nike air trainers.


Police have alerted antique dealers to be aware of the theft and to report any suspicions if they are offered church silverware for sale.


Anyone with information about the burglary, the suspect or the missing property is asked to email Sussex Police on 101@sussex.pnn.police.ukor to phone 101, quoting serial 806 of 10/12.


Alternatively, they can contact Crimestoppers at www.crimestoppers-uk.org or call the independent charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.