A BURGLAR is believed to have struck at two churches that are a short distance apart - stealing valuables including a diamond ring.

The first break-in happened on the evening of Thursday , August 7 at St Paul’s Vicarage on Chain Lane, between the hours of 8.30pm and 11pm. An intruder managed to get in through bedroom window by climbing on to the garage roof.

On Sunday , August 17 at about 11am, an intruder managed to climb a drainpipe at the back of St Mary’s Roman Catholic Presbytery on Blackbrook Road. Again the crook got in through a bedroom window before stealing an Apple iPad.

Detective Constable Roy Waller said: "We believe the intruder to be the same person in both incidents as they have accessed both properties in a similar manner, through an open bedroom.

"The jewellery taken in the first incident is very distinctive and included an antique brooch, a cluster diamond ring, a ruby cluster ring, a Queen Victorian pendant and a wrist watch with the initials 'MD' engraved on the face.”

Police are appealing to anyone with information to call 0151 777 6038, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. They are particularly keen to hear from anyone who has been offered items of jewellery recently that resemble those taken from St Paul’s Church.