Horde of religious riches found

An Aladdin's Cave of altar crosses, candlesticks, communion cups and other religious property stolen from churches and cathedrals around the country has been found in a small north London flat.

Police said the one-bedroom flat was full of ecclesiastical artefacts, including a bishop's mitre from Westminster Cathedral.

Elaborately embroided velvet clerical hoods, stoles, copes and tunicles are among the hoard discovered hidden in cupboards, wardrobes and a chest of drawers.

Also present in the small flat were tapestries, 18th century gold communion plates, paintings, Latin bibles, ancient seals, chalices, crucifixes, incense burners and altar banners.

Detective Constable Dave Hobart said: "There's enough religious property from this flat to stock several churches."