BURGLARS broke into two cars parked in a church car park during a funeral in Ashton Keynes.

Holy Cross Church's Vicar the Reverend Paul Selley has expressed his shock that thieves would break into someone's car during a service.

He says it is the second such incident in the past six months after a laptop computer was stolen from the boot of a churchgoer's car during a separate service.

In both cars handbags, which were visible on the front seats, were stolen.

The service was a thanksgiving service for a lady from Ashton Keynes in her 50s who died of cancer and it followed her cremation.

Revd Selley said: "I am very, very sad that anyone should do such an awful thing.

"Churches are very vulnerable when services are taking place because people know the congregation will be in the building for a certain time.

"The service was for a lovely lady who was loved and respected by everybody in the village and it is so sad this happened during her service."

Two men were seen acting suspiciously in the village before the service and the thefts were made between 2.45pm and 3.45pm on Wednesday.

Police are keen to speak to anyone who saw the two men, who are believed to have driven away in an old style Volkswagen Polo.

WPC Karen Ferris of Cricklade Police said: "This is a particularly unpleasant crime.

"Even among criminals, stealing from cars parked outside a funeral service is despicable.

"We are particularly keen to talk to the two men who were seen acting suspiciously, or anyone who saw them driving away in the Volkswagen."

Witnesses are asked to contact WPC Ferris or WPC Tina Staynings at Cricklade Police Station on (01793) 750207.