A CHURCH-GOER has stolen an 87-year-old worshipper’s purse as the congregation took their seats for a service.

The victim, who had left her handbag unattended and open on a pew at the United Reformed Church, in Whitby, had brought a few pounds of her pension money for when the collection plate was passed around.

A man was spotted five minutes before the 10.30am service on Sunday with the purse in his hands on the church steps, where it was later found.

Police said the elderly woman, who lives locally, had been left devastated by the theft.

A police spokesman said: “This happened in a place of worship, where there is a reasonable expectation that people are trustworthy.

“Sadly, this has turned out not to be the case.

"Officers are investigating whether the offender was a member of the congregation or someone who targeted the church to take advantage of trusting members of the public.

“The victim was very shocked by what happened and officers are urging anyone with information who has not already come forward, to contact them.”

The thief is described as white, slim, aged in his 30s, about 5ft 8ins to 5ft 11ins tall, with short brown hair and was wearing a black and white jacket and holding carrier bags.

A member of the congregation said: “Everyone is stunned. If you can’t trust the person standing next to you in church who can you trust?”