Priest assaulted and robbed at Holy Family Church Kirkholt

Date published: 12/12/2005

Police were called to the Holy Family Church on Mornington Road at 3.35pm on Saturday 10 December 2005, following reports that a priest had been assaulted and robbed.

Between 3.05pm and 3.35pm the priest answered the door to three men who told him they were homeless and asked for money and food.

He provided them with refreshments and cash but they then attacked the man and forced him to hand over more cash. They then tied the priest up and left the scene in his car, a light blue Renault Laguna.

The car was later found abandoned on Channing Street in Newbold.

The first man is described as a white man aged in his early 20s. He was 5'8'' tall, of medium build with short dark hair.

The second man was described as a dark skinned man, possibly Asian, aged in his late 20s - early 30s. He was 6'2'' tall, of large build and had a deep voice and stubble. He was wearing a dark coloured woolen hat and a dark colored bomber style jacket

The third man was described as white.

The men were all heard to speak with Irish accents and one of them was referred to as either Jum Jum or Jon Jon.

Detective Sergeant Jared Sudworth from Rochdale CID said: "These offenders took advantage of this man's generosity and stole money from him. He showed them nothing but kindness and it is reprehensible that they could treat anybody - let alone someone who has shown compassion - like this.

"I hope the actions of these individuals do not make people think twice about helping those who need it, especially at this time of year. The public can help repay some faith by coming forward if they have any information.

"I would appeal to anyone who has any further information about the people responsible for this to contact us at Rochdale CID on 0161 856 4644 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."