A number of purses have been stolen from Malvern churches in the last few weeks.

West Mercia Police is appealing for witnesses over the incidents which have taken place between Monday June 20 and Friday July 29.

A 47 year-old man from Malvern has been arrested on suspicion of theft and bailed until 31 August.

The thefts have happened either during services when the purse owners have gone up for Holy Communion and left their bag on the pew, or during coffee mornings after the service has taken place.

The incidents include purse thefts from churches on North Malvern Road, Avenue Road, Abbey Road and Worcester Road.

PC Jo Elliott from West Mercia Police said: "We are currently investigating a number of purse thefts that have occurred at churches in Malvern and are really keen to hear from anyone who may have information.

"You may have seen somebody acting suspiciously or perhaps noticed a new face at church that may not have been back since. No matter how small it might seem, I would urge you to contact us.

"I would also like to remind the Malvern community to remain vigilante and pay particularly close attention to purses and handbags. Make sure you keep valuables on you at all times and secure on your person."

If you have any information that could help investigating officers, you can call police on 101, quoting incident number 134s of 20 June.

If you want to give information but don't want to give your name you can call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or use their anonymous online form at www.crimestoppers.org.uk . Crimestoppers are not part of the police, when you contact them you won't be identified. The only person who knows you have given information is you.