An investigation is under way after two churches were broken into in the same village in Northern Ireland on Christmas Day.
The incidents occurred in Newtownhamilton in Co Armagh, close to the border with Co Monaghan.
One of the churches targeted was St Michael's Catholic Church on Dundalk Street.
The other was Second Newtownhamilton Presbyterian on the Castleblayney Road.
The PSNI said damage had been caused to both premises and some items were stolen.
It is believed the break-ins occurred sometime between 3pm on Christmas Day and 9am the following day.
Among the items taken were electronic speakers and a wall clock.
"We are appealing to anyone that may have noted suspicious activity in the area of these places of worship in particularly around Dundalk Road, Newtownhamilton and Castleblaney Street, Newtownhamilton during this time frame," a police spokesperson said.
"Slieve Gullion Neighbourhood Policing Team are also aware of these incidents and have increased patrols in these areas."
Sinn Féin MLA Aoife Finnegan condemned the burglaries, saying "Targeting places of worship at any time shows a complete disregard for the community. But during the Christmas period, it is reprehensible."
The PSNI asked for anyone who had witnessed suspicious activity in the Dundalk Street or Castleblayney Street areas of Newtownhamilton or has CCTV, dashcam or other information, should contact the police."
Anyone with information or who may have CCTV or dash cam footage from the area at the time is asked to contact police.
