DATELINE: 14 April 2003

BRONZE CANNON STOLEN FROM PENZANCE ART SCHOOL

A historic bronze cannnon salvaged in 1916 from HMS Anson in Mount's Bay and worth over £20,000 has been stolen.
The 16th century bronze cannon had been on public display for 87 years after being salvaged by divers from the Western Marine Salvaging Company and presented to the people of Penzance. The cannon was 8-foot-long and estimated to weigh 1.5 tons, and police believe the thieves would have had to come equipped with a lorry and hydraulic crane to remove it.
The cannon was located outside the Penzance Art School in Morrab Rd and had recently been restored. It was decorated with a crucifix, rosaries, a royal crown and motto and two lifting dolphins. Anyone with possible information should contact the Penzance police.