A gig at Heswall Hall was disrupted and deeply marred by the 'brazen' theft of a guitar while Gary Murphy of the Gary Murphy Band was on stage on Friday night.

The guitar belongs to musician Rob Fennah, well known for his work with the band Alternative Radio, and the stage adaptation of Helen Forrester's autobiography, 'Twopence to Cross the Mersey'.

Susan Ellis, a Trustee at Heswall Hall said: "This was a brazen theft of Rob's guitar in front of a sell-out crowd of 200 people.

"It looks like the thieves knew exactly what they were after.

"Heswall Hall is a venue right at the heart of our community and we are all dismayed at what happened.

"Rob and the band were utterly professional on the night and we would like to thank them for carrying on with the show.

"The police are involved and we would ask anyone with information to get in touch."

The guitar is a Taylor 414 - CE. Serial number: 20000328060.

It is an expensive instrument, but also has enormous sentimental value to owner Rob.

Heswall Hall asks people to please keep a lookout and inform the police if they have any information.