Thieves have stolen life-size figures of Jesus, Mary and Joseph from Worcester's Nativity scene.

Staff at the Guildhall were horrified to find the traditional stable and crib were stripped of their three key figures when they arrived for work yesterday.

The Guildhall's CCTV footage shows two men and a woman climbing over the railings at 3am on Friday, December 22, and taking the white plaster figures of Mary and the baby from the crib.

About 30 minutes later, three men climbed into the locked enclosure outside the Guildhall and took the figure of Joseph.

Mary was found outside the cathedral and returned by the cathedral authorities yesterday, but Joseph and Jesus have still not been found.

Worcester Mayor Ian Imray was outraged at the theft and said: "I am absolutely furious. It is wanton vandalism and theft. I am so mad. How dare they?

"If I was to get my hands on them, I might just forget my position in life."

The figures were made by staff and pupils at Worcester's Blessed Edward Oldcorne School in 1996, when Elizabeth Beattie was head of the art department.

"I am head of the governors at the school and because of that I am even more outraged," said Councillor Imray.

The scene is used to help raise funds for various charities over Christmas and is maintained by Worcester Rotary Club.

Former Rotary Club president John Coverdale said: "I was devastated. How can people do this sort of thing? Last year, baby Jesus was pinched after Christmas. I asked Elizabeth Beattie to make another one. She is going to be devastated about this."

He said members of Worcester Rotary Club would be collecting for Leukaemia Care at the crib today and added: "I think it will affect the charity collection."

He believes the culprits were "tanked up" and that it was probably a practical joke.

Coun Imray is appealing for the culprits to return the figures. "If it was just a drunken prank it is not theft. We would like to have these figures back for Christmas. The crib looks bare."

Inspector Steve Brooker, of Worcester police, said detectives were searching CCTV footage and appealed for help to find the culprits.

He said: "These are the actions of mindless individuals who have no thought for a traditional, religious symbol many enjoy and respect."

The cuprits are described as white, well-presented and in their early 20s.

Witnesses to the theft or anyone with information about the missing nativity figures is asked to contact Worcester Police on 08457 444888 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.