Thieves have stolen three abstract sculptures worth thousands of pounds from a dentist's surgery after climbing through an open window.

The unique pieces, each worth around £900, were made from alabaster and Portland stone by Sussex artist Claire Morris.

They were taken from Christopher Gull's dental surgery in Brighton city centre, which holds exhibitions of artists' work all year round.

A fourth piece by the same artist, worth £880, was dropped and damaged beyond repair.

Police have not ruled out a link with a smash-and-grab style raid on a funeral parlour on Monday in which a £500 marble statue of Jesus was stolen.

Mr Gull said: "I feel really sorry for the artist as the stolen items included two pieces that she had just finished.

"While she will be reimbursed for them it has obviously taken her a lot of time and effort.

"It was a regrettable piece of opportunism."

Because the statues were so heavy police believe at least two men were involved in the raid, between April 15 and 16.

Mr Gull borrows the sculptures from North Chailey-based consultancy Impact Art to display in his Ship Street surgery.

The idea is to help patients relax and take their minds off the dentist's drill, although some have bought the artwork on show.

PC Gavin Crute said: "These pieces are about a foot high and very heavy. Whoever broke in needed help but even so would have struggled.

"If you have been offered these sculptures by anyone, they are stolen and you should contact the police."

Belinda Holden, of Impact Art, said: "These are collectable pieces because they are made from alabaster and because the artist is established.

"I would think whoever stole them definitely knew what they were stealing, but they are going to have difficulty selling them because they are unique."

If you have information, call PC Crute at Brighton police station on 0845 6070999.