A MEON Valley church may be forced to close its doors to the public after thieves ransacked the building and took an irreplaceable antique.

The team that runs 13th century St Peter's Church in Soberton is considering keeping doors locked during the day as a last resort to safeguard its contents.

A 300-year-old solid oak ornate chest of drawers, which would have taken at least two people to lift, was taken from the vestry of the church in School Hill on Wednesday.

An antiques expert will now be brought in to assess the value of the missing treasure.

The popular church is to remain closed during the day until further notice.

Church reader Norman Chapman said: "It's just an appalling act of vandalism. The chest has been ripped out and everything's been thrown all over the place.

"It was part of the fabric of the church and this means that we haven't got anywhere to keep equipment now. We can never replace it.

"We will now have to reconsider our policy on having an open church. People tend to come here for a bit of peace and quiet. It's always been open and we don't like locked churches, but it doesn't seem like we have much choice.

"One questions how much we can continue to allow the church to be open for people to enjoy it, when we've got a duty to preserve what's here."

The church, which stands next to the Wayfarers Walk, has seen visitors from all over the world.

It is popular among parishioners, walkers and those with relatives in the graveyard who can often be seen lighting a candle of remembrance on anniversaries and special days.

A Jacobean table, which is chained to the floor, was moved but left behind by thieves who are thought to have damaged a pew while dragging the drawers out of the building.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the raid, which happened between 8.30am and 5pm, or anyone who saw an unusual vehicle in the area on the day.

Anyone with information is asked to call 0845 045 4545 and ask for Fareham police station.