A BABY Jesus figurine has been stolen from its crib in a Manchester city centre nativity scene.

The thief broke into the back of the wooden shed which housed the tableau in St Ann's Square and snatched the nine-inch tall model.

Bizarrely, a single red rose was left in its place.

Now the entire nativity scene has been replaced and Manchester council has stepped up security.

The Bishop of Manchester, the Rev Nigel McCulloch, said he was dismayed at the theft and hoped the figure would be returned.

"It's very sad when the city's only direct reference to the Christmas story is abused in this way," he said. "The crib scene is a tradition in St Ann's Square and the figures have a special place in reminding shoppers what Christmas is about and why gifts are exchanged.

"I know all the city centre churches will hope the original will be returned."

In another nativity scene stunt last year, the figures were put in compromising positions.

Manchester council spokesman Pat Karney said: "I'm shocked and horrified. What kind of a world are we living in when someone will steal the baby Jesus out of the Christmas crib?

"I thought I'd seen everything last year when someone re-arranged the figures into compromising positions, but this has surprised even me.

"If the culprit sees publicity about this, I hope it will result in the figure being sent to me care of the town hall.

"I can't imagine what motive could lie behind someone replacing the baby with a red rose.

"I'm pleased that council and city centre staff acted so quickly to put things right, because thousands of people are visiting the markets and passing through St Ann's Square each day.

"I'm very disturbed if someone is trying to make a statement with a red rose which has no place in a Christmas crib. I'm mystified."

Council officials believe the theft happened over the Remembrance weekend, before the Christmas markets were open for business.

But it was only noticed when the tableau was re-opened for the festive season.