POLICE have released an image of a man they say stole money and candles from Ledbury Parish Church.

Newly installed CCTV cameras captured the male 'committing the theft' on March 16, before he cycled off on a bike with straight handlebars and a pannier on the back.

The man was seen on security cameras braking into a wall safe, where money is stored from book sales, and took a small amount of money as the safe had been emptied recently.

Police say he also broke into a money box for votive candles and stole some candles. He also inspected envelopes in the church pigeon-holes by holding them up to the light, to see if they contained any money.

The theft took place on Thursday 16th March between 2pm and 2.30pm, the church was un-staffed at the time.

PCSO David Alexander said: "It is disappointing that a heartless individual would steal money that local parishioners had kindly donated to the church.

"Thankfully, it is hoped that not much cash was taken. We are now working to identify the offender and ask that if anyone recognises this male to please call us on 101, quoting incident number 0139S 170317"

Church officials recently took the decision to install security cameras, after a previous theft incident last summer saw £50 in cash stolen, and separate incidents of vandalism at St Michael and All Angels.

Church warden, Ian James said: "He looked straight into a camera on one occasion. We virtually have it all on CCTV.

"He had obviously planned it and knew where he was going, as if he had been there before. You don't steal from a church unless you are a pretty sad individual. He didn't look a tramp, but we don't know what his needs are."