TWO churches were broken into within the space of 24 hours over the weekend, police have said.

Between 8pm on Saturday, February 18 and 10am on Sunday, February 19 offenders forced entry into Ebenezer Independent Methodist Church, on West End Road, Haydock through a rear window and forced an internal door before taking four TVs and several cables.

Earlier, between 5.30 and 5.55pm on Saturday, February 18, offenders also gained entry to part of Our Lady Presbytery, on Portico Lane, before leaving empty-handed.

Forensic examinations were carried out and investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incidents are still ongoing.

Community Inspector Matt Drennan, said: "I am sure the community will share our shock at the news the churches have been targeted in this way.

"The TVs are a valuable resource for the church and its congregation and I'd like to appeal to the consciences of the offenders and ask them to consider the impact this will have not just on the church but the wider community too.

"I would ask for them to do the right thing and return the stolen items in any way possible.

"We would also appeal to anyone who was near the churches around the time of the incidents to cast their mind back to Saturday and Sunday and contact us if they remember anything suspicious.

“I'd also ask any members of the public to look out just in case they are, or have been, offered any of the TVs for sale or have seen them for sale on the internet."

Anyone who has any information can call police on 0151 7776013 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.