Sunday, March 25, 2012

Pair who stole saint's heart captured on CCTV

THE first images of two suspects believed to have stolen the preserved heart of St Laurence O'Toole from Christ church Cathedral will be broadcast on RTE's 'Crimecall' this week.

The Dean of Christ Church Cathedral, Reverend Dermot Dunne, says he is praying that the broadcast leads to a breakthrough in the case.

Over two weeks ago, the 12th century preserved heart of St Laurence O'Toole -- which has been a religious focal point in Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin, for the past eight centuries -- was stolen from a small heart-shaped wooden box which was sealed in an iron-barred case.

Rev Dunne said he believes the gardai are pursuing a number of lines of inquiry, while new CCTV footage of the culprits who carried out the heist has emerged on City Council CCTV cameras.

"We're just waiting patiently that it will be returned. This is the first time the images of the guys will be seen so we're praying that it will lead to something positive," said the Dean of Christ Church.

Spotted

"They had spotted on CCTV two men running outside the cathedral but they also have footage on Council cameras of both men running down Cook Street."

St Laurence O'Toole was the second Archbishop of Dublin and founded Christ Church Cathedral in the 12th century with Richard 'Strongbow' de Clare.

While travelling to Rome on a pilgrimage, he died in Eu in northern France.

His body was buried in Normandy but his heart was later returned to Ireland and became a treasured relic in the Dublin cathedral.

The first images of the two suspects will be broadcast on RTE's 'Crimecall' this Tuesday at 10.15pm.