CHURCH leaders in Bishopsteignton are appealing for help following a theft of items including donations to a food bank.

The thefts from St John’s Church were discovered on Tuesday afternoon and residents are being urged to be on the lookout in case they are offered for sale or found dumped.

Earlier a young man, claiming to be homeless, was discovered in the church.

Taken were two patchwork Union flags which were attached to wooden poles topped with metal fleur de lys.

They previously belonged to Bishopsteignton Scout group but had been laid up many years ago.

Also taken was a green first aid case, various food items including coffee and sugar and an old, ­biscuit tin which contained spoons.

The contents of a HITS foodbank crate were also found to have been taken.

A spokesman for the church said a young man had been found in the church saying he was homeless and needed help.

He said he had relatives in Dawlish but they were too old to help him.

He also claimed he was registered disabled, came from Birmingham and was carrying all his belongings with him in various carrier bags.

However, while calls were being made to HITS to get him some help, he disappeared.

The thefts were discovered about two hours later.

The man is described as of medium height and build, had a thin, drawn face and darkish hair and was wearing a blue anorak and using a crutch.

The incidents happened on Tuesday afternoon.