VIDEO has been published on social media in an attempt to identify a man thought to be responsible for a series of thefts and damage in a West Somerset church.

The culprit has targeted St Andrew’s Church, in Minehead, over a period of several weeks since September.

Now, after two incidents in two weeks, the crimes have been reported to Avon and Somerset Police by the Rev Philip Butcher, who is Vicar of St Michael’s, St Andrew’s, and St Peter’s, in Minehead.

Mr Butcher told the Free Press: “We are deeply saddened that repeatedly, over a number of months, the Minehead St Andrew’s Church contactless giving point has been tampered with and parts stolen, rendering it unusable for much of the time since September this year.

“The incidents have been recorded on our CCTV system and have been reported to the police, who are investigating.

“While the value of damage and theft is not of great significance, what is, is the sense of fear and threat that such actions then leave in a place.

“People should be able to feel safe and invulnerable in visiting our churches, which we are committed to keeping open and welcoming to all people.

“But, sadly, such incidents erode that sense of protection.

“If the person(s) concerned had chosen to reach out to the church here in their time of need, then we would have sought to support them in any way we could, and we will still endeavour to help them if we can.”