An historic bell stolen from a church in the Waikato town of Otorohanga has been found in an Auckland scrap metal yard.
The 300-year-old bronze bell, fitted to the Royal Navy ship HMS Pembroke when it was built in 1694, was stolen from St Bride's Anglican church this week.
A Hamilton scrap metal yard bought it for $435 and sent it to Auckland for recycling but police said a bell enthusiast put it to one side and police were called.
Police were following a strong line of inquiry.
Sergeant Andy Connors said the bell would be returned to the church once police had finished their forensic examination of it.
- NZPA
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.
Latest from New Zealand
Liz Gunn assault trial: Judge finds anti-vaccination campaigner guilty of assault
The verdict follows two days of colourful evidence earlier this month.