Police appeal for information after priest assaulted - Inverness

Police in Inverness are appealing for information after a priest who disturbed intruders in his church was assaulted last night.

At around 1830 last night (22 September 2010) Father Piotr Koczorowski attempted to stop two intruders and was assaulted before they made their escape. He was not seriously injured as a result.

DI John Patience, the officer in charge of the investigation, said: "This was a cowardly and shameful act and we would appeal to anyone who may have seen people running or leaving the area of St Mary's Church at around 1830 last night.

"We are carrying out inquiries today in an attempt to find those responsible and bring them to justice."

Speaking from St Mary's today, Father Koczorowski said: "I heard the alarm going off in the sanctuary of the church and I went down to find two men hiding in there. I think they were trying to steal two devices which are used for wireless microphones.

"I locked the doors and tried to keep them inside, but they jumped on me and one of them hit me. I struggled for a while, but they managed to escape. One of them also ran into one of the internal doors in the church and broke it.

"One of them fell on the pavement and both seemed as though they had been drinking. I would just ask anyone who saw these men leaving the church to come forward and speak to Police."

The first man is described as being 6ft, of thin build, pale face, ginger hair, 20-30 years and was wearing a tracksuit with white bottoms and brown top. The second man is described as 5ft 10in, of thin build, short dark hair and was wearing a flat ring on his pinkie. He had blue eyes, 20-25 years, clean shaven, blue jeans, white t-shirt with black faded writing on the front and a blue waterproof jacket.

Anyone with any information is urged to contact Police on 0845 600 5703 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.