ANVIL STOLEN FROM SHOP WINDOW
A rare and valuable anvil has been stolen from an antique shop window.
The anvil was taken from Tat-U-Like in Upper High Street, Froghill, and staff at the shop are dumbfounded by its disappearance.
The shop’s owner, Arthur ‘Nobby’ Nobsworth said: "The anvil is the very one upon which Shrewsbury architect Thomas Farnolls Pritchard hammered the ceremonial first bolt of Shropshire's famous iron bridge. It had the initials ‘TFP’ and the date ‘Nov 1777’ etched into its horn.
"It is totally unique and is worth around £25,000."
The theft occurred around 7pm on Wednesday, March 8.
DS Geoff Bunton, of the Froghill Constabulary, said: "Despite the fact that the anvil is very heavy, it appears that the culprit escaped on foot, possibly carrying the item in a shopping bag. Somewhat carelessly, he ran through some wet cement at the south end of the Upper High Street.
"While there are several sets of footprints in the cement, one set is significantly deeper than any of the others. We are looking into these.
"We appeal to anyone who might have noticed a man running slowly and carrying a heavy shopping bag to come forward. Likewise any dry cleaners who have recently been handed a pair of cement-encrusted trousers.”
Anyone with information relating to this case should phone the police on 0372 47777. All calls will be treated in confidence.
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11/03/06 @ 12:21