Pair arrested in connection with theft of precious artefact

Two men have been arrested today in connection with the theft of a priceless religious artefact from a church in Co Offaly.

The item, known as 'The Precious Shrine of St Manchan' was stolen from St Manchan's Church in Boher at lunchtime today.

It is two and a half foot long and made of yew wood and gilt bronze.

Witnesses reported seeing a green car and two men leave the area in the direction of Shannonbridge shortly after half past one.

Gardaí stopped a car on the N5 and arrested two men. They are being held at Tullamore garda station.

The religious artefact has not yet been recovered.