£1k reward for stolen engagement ring believed to have been taken to Brighton and Hove

A £1,000 reward is being offered for the return of an engagement ring believed to have been taken to two addresses in Brighton and Hove.

The sapphire and diamond ring was stolen from the church porch in Wisborough Green on Caroline and James Granshaw’s wedding day.

Their families have put up the reward while the couple are on honeymoon.

Detectives have traced the movements of an iPhone stolen at the same time as the ring to two properties in Brighton and Hove.

The ring was in a black LK Bennett clutch bag with a gold clasp along with the iPhone which was on.

Using the “Find my iPhone” facility police were able to track the phone’s movements, showing that it had been taken to Haywards Heath until about 6pm.

It was then taken to Poynings Drive in the Hangleton area of Hove before ending up in Highcroft Vilas, Brighton, just after 7pm. Then it was either switched off or the battery ran out.

James Granshaw’s father Marvyn said: “We are hoping the reward, which is quite substantial because of the huge sentimental value of the ring, will encourage someone who knows something to come forward.

“James put a lot of effort in creating a ring that was ethically sourced and Caroline has been left heartbroken that it is gone.

“We are working tirelessly to try and locate this ring and support the police in following up every line of inquiry.

“The ring is a 3.08 carat royal blue sapphire with the shoulders set with diamonds.

“It has three marks stamped into the inside of the band: the London assay office hallmark of a lion’s head, 950 indicating 95 per cent platinum and, most uniquely, the maker’s mark – I&R – for Ingle & Rhode.”

PC Mathew Willcocks said: “We want to talk to anyone who has been offered the ring, which is quite distinctive, or has any information as to its whereabouts.

“We have traced the phone’s movements to Haywards Heath, Poynings Drive, Hove, and finally to Highcroft Villas in Brighton where it was turned off.

“Our investigations have led us to believe that a silver 53 registered Peugoet 206 has followed that route and we would appeal to anyone with information to contact us.

“The reward put up by the family I hope will prompt someone to come forward with valuable information that will lead to the recovery of the ring and the arrest of those responsible.”

Anyone with information is asked to phone Sussex Police on 101 or email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or the independent charity Crimestoppers  anonymously on 0800 555111.

A 43-year-old man from the Brighton area has been formally questioned in relation to the theft and inquiries continue.