Police are appealing for witnesses after a safe in a church was forced open.

Between February 19 and 24, someone entered St James the Great Church in West Hanney and forced the safe open.

The thieves did not steal anything, or cause any damage.

PC Sarah Wilson said: “We believe this is not an act of vandalism but possibly a religious statement against the church.

“It is thought that this could be linked to a similar incident at St Nicholas Church in East Challow, which happened between February 15 and 19. There someone tampered with the safe and damaged the chalice.

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Wilson at Wantage police station via 0845 8 505 505, or if you don’t want to talk to the police or give your name, call the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.