THIEVES crept into an Abingdon church while children told the story of the birth of Jesus, and stole two mobile phones and a purse.

They walked into Trinity Methodist Church, in Conduit Road, through an unlocked door in the vestry at 6.45pm on Sunday during the church’s Torchlight Christmas Musical.

The event, involving 30 local children and adults, had been due to take place on Christmas Eve but had to be rescheduled.

Some of the contents of the purse were later found discarded in a hedge at the junction of Larkhill Road and Faringdon Road.

Last night, church organist Val Rast-Lindsell, who staged the musical, said: “We were doing a show which involved children and adults and they were using the choir vestry to get changed.

“There is a fire door so it has to be left unlocked so people can get out easily.

“We were all a bit shocked that it happened in a church when there was a Christmas service going on for children.

“It put a dampener on the proceedings.”

Verger Tom Jarratt said: “It was upsetting. Someone during the performance must have realised there was something on in the church and seen the door was open.

“Nothing is sacred these days.”

Call police on 08458 505505 or the Crimestoppers hotline on 0800 555111.Picture: David Fleming