A rare copy of a book by the Renaissance scientist Nicholas Copernicus has been stolen from the library of the Russian Academy of Sciences in St Petersburg.

The book on astronomy dates back to the 16th century.

Library officials said they realised the book was missing whet they were prompted to search for it on hearing of reports that a copy of the work had turned up for auction in the United States.

A further twenty-three books, including works by Kepler and Agricola were also missing.

Police in St Petersburg have appealed for help from Interpol in tracing the thieves. The volume by Copernicus is highly sought after -- two copies of the book were stolen from Poland and Ukraine in 1988.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service