KENT Police say a third church has been targeted by thieves in the Ashford area.

In the latest incident, between 7am and 10am on Tuesday, money was stolen from a collection box at St Mary’s Church, The Street, in the village of Brook.

The offender or offenders forced the lid on the box that is built into the wall. How much money was taken is unknown.

Police are seeking information about the theft of cash from two other churches situated only a few miles apart.

A small quantity of cash was stolen from a collection box set into a wall at St Rumwolds Church at Bonnington sometime between 3pm on Sunday and 10.30am on Monday.

Both the collection box and the surrounding wall were damaged.

On June 18 intruders struck at St Michael the Archangel at Cage Lane, Smarden. On this occasion cash was taken from a wall safe.

Anyone with information about any of these thefts is asked to contact South Kent Police on 01303 289180.