A MAN who is suspected of raiding a church to steal a collection of items including CCTV cameras, mobile phones and a mountain bike has appeared in court.

Michael Blythe, of Bardsley Avenue, Dallam, made his first appearance at Halton Magistrates' Court on Friday charged with two counts of burglary following an investigation by PC Ellis McCarrick into two break-ins within 48 hours.

Police were first called to St Mark's CofE Church on Longshaw Street after items were stolen overnight on January 9.

Two days later a second break-in was reported overnight at the same church.

Following enquiries and CCTV analysis, a the 54-year-old was arrested on suspicion of the offences and he has since been charged with the offences.

Due to the serious nature of the charges, the case has been transferred to Liverpool Crown Court.