Significant damage has been caused to a newly refurbished church and money stolen from the donation boxes during a callous burglary.

Officers were called to Nazareth Unitarian Church on Church Street in Padiham earlier on Tuesday, after receiving reports of a break-in, with money from the poppy appeal and British Legion collection boxes stolen.

The burglary is thought to have occurred between 10pm on Monday and 7.45am on Tuesday, with people living nearby asked to check their CCTV for any suspicious activity.

A spokesperson for the police said on Tuesday: "Today officers attended a burglary at Nazareth Unitarian Church on Church Street, Padiham.

"The offenders have caused significant damage to a newly refurbished church and stolen money from charity boxes that were collecting for the poppy appeal and the British Legion.

"We are currently investigating, however we are appealing to residents nearby to see if they have seen or heard anything between the hours of 10pm on Monday and 7.45am and if they can check any CCTV that may cover near the church between those hours.

"Someone, somewhere will have information that will help identify the offenders."

If you have any information that may assist the police then please contact them on 101 quoting log 316 of November 30 or email 4305@lancashire.police.uk.