TWO elderly women had their handbags stolen during church services in two separate incidents in Tunbridge Wells on Sunday.

The first occurred at King Charles the Martyr Church in Warwick Park at about 9.50am, after an 80-year-old woman had put her handbag on the floor of the pew.

She left her seat for a short time and when she returned her bag had gone.

The second theft occurred at St Paul's Church Centre in Rusthall Road at about 10.50am. During this incident, an 82-year-old woman had placed her handbag next to her on the pew.

A man came into the service and sat near her before leaving shortly afterwards.

It was then that she noticed her bag was missing. The man is believed to have driven off in a red Nissan Micra car.

The man police would like to talk to in connection with both of these incidents is described as white, aged in his mid to late 30s, five feet eight inches tall, of slim build, with short brown hair and sharp facial features. He was also wearing a light coloured top and very pale coloured blue jeans.

Sgt Michael Perryman, of West Kent crime reduction said: "We now have to advise people to think about the security of their personal items even when they are in church.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact West Kent Police on 01732 370732 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Callers to Crimestoppers do not have to leave their name.