A THIEF stole handbags belonging to two elderly women setting up at a church hall before the arrival of congregation members.

West Yorkshire Police said the victims, aged 68 and 69, had been setting up at the church hall of our Lady of Unfailing Help & St Paul of the Cross RC Church in Dewsbury Road, Cleckheaton, when the incident happened, at around 10am on March 1.

PC Chris Birkenshaw of Batley and Spen Neighbourhood Policing Team said: "This incident took place on a quiet Sunday morning whilst the church was being set up ahead of the day’s services.

"The offender or offenders have entered the building unseen by the victims and taken their bags before making off. It is likely that someone may have seen someone leaving the building with the handbags."

Anyone who witnessed the incident, or has information that may assist the police in their enquiries is asked to contact PC Chris Birkenshaw via 101.