Three men were arrested in dawn swoops by police investigating the theft of historic York stones from eight church graveyards. A series of warrants were executed in Greater Manchester under the Cheshire Police operation.
Officers swooped on addresses in Middleton, Oldham and Rochdale. Three men - aged 48, 31 and 28 - were arrested on suspicion of conspiring to commit theft from eight church graveyards, Cheshire Police said.
They remained in police custody last night assisting officers with their enquiries.
