Police are appealing for witnesses after a collection box at Sidmouth Parish Church was broken into.

The incident took place between 12.15pm and 4pm on Sunday afternoon.

Churchwarden Brian Golding said that a minimal amount was taken.

A note by the collection box said: “The police are investigating this break-in, which occurred on January 3.

“In the short-term, it will not be possible to make donations to the church.”

PCSO Chris Bolsover said: “Someone broke into one of the collection boxes in Sidmouth Parish Church, using some form of implement to forcibly open the box and take money from inside. The box was located close to the main entrance.”

The officer asked for witnesses to come forward if they saw anyone acting suspiciously in the church.

Anyone with information should call 101 and quote reference CR/000588/16.