Devil mask thieves locked priest in church cupboard before stealing charity donations

A priest who was threatened with a screwdriver before being locked in a cupboard by a pair of masked men says he feels "nothing but sadness" for the intruders.

Father Philip Caldwell is from St Joseph's Church in Stockport.

He was forced to hand over more than £600 of church charity money when the two men broke into the church's living accommodation in the early hours of Tuesday.

One of the offenders was wearing a devil mask.

The money had been donated by the community to the church’s Christmas crib collection and was due to be sent to churches in poor parts of Bethlehem.

Father Caldwell was not injured, but was left shocked and saddened by what happened.

They also stole the parish computer, an iPhone and a watch.

Greater Manchester Police described the men as ‘the lowest of the low’, and has launched an investigation.

Anyone with any information is asked to call police on 0161 856 9970 or 101 - or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.