THIEVES who broke in a village church damaged a statue of Mother Theresa.

The intruders also stole two boxes of sherry but these were later recovered near St Francis De Sales Church at Hartley, near Gravesend.

Police in North Kent are appealing for information following a burglary which occurred between 7am on February 14 and 3pm on February 15.

Police say it appears the offenders gained entry through windows in the church and made an untidy search of a meeting room and another room.

PC Barry Tagg, the officer investigating this incident, said: “Any burglary is distressing but this has caused a lot of distress to the members of the parish, in particular those who work in the church."

He stressed; "I would urge anyone who saw anything suspicious to contact the police.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Tagg at Gravesend on 01474 565211 quoting reference 3881 or Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 – calls to this number are free and are dealt with in the strictest of confidence.