A CHURCH in Colchester was broken into on Christmas Day by bah humbug crooks who police believe may have also stolen festive presents from a home nearby.

Essex Police officers have launched an investigation into a burglary which took place at Kingsland Church, in London Road, on December 25.

They believe the incident is likely connected to a separate burglary, in Lexden Road, which saw Christmas presents stolen before they were located nearby.

A spokesman for Kingsland Church said: “Needless to say, we are praying for the perpetrator – they must have been in a desperate situation.”

Gazette: Destruction - The front entrance of Kingsland Church, in Colchester, has been boarded upDestruction - The front entrance of Kingsland Church, in Colchester, has been boarded up (Image: Newsquest)
Gazette: Temporary - Kingsland Church's front entrance after the break-inTemporary - Kingsland Church's front entrance after the break-in (Image: Newsquest)
In pictures sent to the Gazette, the church’s front entrance remains boarded up, having been smashed in, while one of its glass doors appears shattered.  

Police officers are now asking anyone with information about the burglary to contact them as soon as possible.

A force spokesman said: “We are investigating a burglary at a church in Colchester.

“We received a report on Christmas Day the Kingsland Church, in London Road, had been broken into and items taken.

Gazette: Damage - One of the church's glass doors was smashed during the Christmas Day raid Damage - One of the church's glass doors was smashed during the Christmas Day raid (Image: Newsquest)
"This is being treated as connected to a burglary on Lexden Road where Christmas presents were taken.

“If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with us.

“You can let us know by submitting a report on our website essex.police.uk/digital101. Please quote the crime reference number 42/226787/23.”