Police are investigating after a break in was reported at a church in Co Tyrone last week.
The incident happened at St Patrick’s Church, Dungannon on Friday 30 December, with two people being observed on CCTV entering the church.
In a statement, the Parish of Dungannon said the man forced entry into the sacristy of the church before being disturbed and leaving the building.
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It added that nothing was taken from the church but released a CCTV image of the two people there at the time of the incident.
"Unfortunately, during the afternoon of Friday 30 December 2022, between 2.30pm - 3.00pm, we had a break in, when a man and a woman entered the Church, and the man forced open the door from the Altar into the Sacristy,” the statement said.
“The man entered the Sacristy; however he seems to have been disturbed and they left without taking anything.
“They were captured on our CCTV. Police have been notified and we urge any members of the public who may recognise the two people involved to contact the PSNI.”
A PSNI spokesperson said the pair appeared to sit in prayer at the church for 15 minutes before the man gained entry to the sacristy.
Sergeant Pollock said: “It was reported that around 2.30pm a man and woman entered the church. They appeared to sit as though in prayer for around fifteen minutes before the man forced entry to the sacristy, causing damage to the door.
“Thankfully, at this stage it appears that the man left empty-handed.
“He is described as wearing a red jacket, dark trousers with black gloves, hat and face-mask. The woman accompanying him was wearing a light-coloured jacket with hat and face-mask.
“We are appealing for anyone with information or who may have noticed any suspicious activity in the vicinity of the church to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 1691 of 30/12/22.”
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