Manchester priest attacked by burglars

A priest was attacked by three men in a burglary at his presbytery in Greater Manchester on Monday night.

Fr Francis Wadsworth OFM Conv, of St Ann's RC Church in Ashton-Under-Lyne, was attacked when he answered at knock at the door at about 7pm.

The 37 year-old priest was punched in the face as the three of them pushed past and stole cash from the house. Fr Francis suffered a blow to his head and was left shaken by the ordeal.

He said: "There was a knock at the door and I went to the door to see who it was. A voice said 'hello mate, we're just...' and the next minute I knew there were three men in the house, one of whom was thumping me on the side of the head."

Det Insp Derek Weaver, from Tameside CID, said: "This is a despicable and cowardly attack on a priest in his own home. I cannot believe the levels some people will go to in order to get hold of some cash and it beggars belief why someone would choose to steal money that belonged to the church and would have been destined for a worthwhile cause." Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident.