Suspect in ‘Peaker Blinders style hat’ sought after attempted theft from Fletching church money box

A male suspect wearing a baker boy ‘Peaky Blinders’ style hat entered St Mary’s Church, near Uckfield, at around 10:30am on Friday, June 25, police said.

Witnesses saw the suspect leaving the church, and reported damage had been caused inside.

An attempt had been made to gain access to the contents of the money box, according to police.

The suspect was later seen walking to a car nearby and was believed to have been carrying something.

Local response officer PC Lee, supported by the Sussex Police Rural Crime Team, is investigating the incident and said the suspect is a white man who was dressed in all black, with a black face covering.

He was described as being aged in his 40s, of slim to medium build and between 5ft 11ins and 6ft in height.

PC Lee said: “We are keen to hear from anyone who may witnessed what happened or who may have been in the area at the time.

“We would also like to trace the driver of a grey or green Ford Fusion in connection with the incident.

“Anyone with information can report it to Sussex Police online here or call 101 and quote serial 0434 of 25/06.”