Chieftan's photos stolen at funeral

Police have asked for the photos to be turned in

A thief smashed into a car and stole photos of a dead African chieftan while mourners attended his funeral just yards away.

As friends paid tribute to Chief Ayinde Olatunde Odunsi, the late leader of Reading Council for Racial Equality, a thief broke into the car of one of his former colleagues and snatched a bag containing the pictures.

The woman had planned to have copies made of the photos - the last images taken of Mr Odunsi - as a present for his widow.

A diary and personal papers were also in the handbag.

Staff at the Reading Council for Racial Equality have appealed for the precious photos to be returned.

Police say the theft took place at Reading's Henley Road cemetery between 1500 and 1530 GMT on 14 November.

Officers have asked anyone with any information on the crime to get in touch.