The un-named woman was attending a Sunday service at Barrhead’s Bourock Church on Main Street, however when she made to leave she discovered her bag and all its contents had been lifted.

Now police are on the hunt for the callous criminal who targeted a vulnerable pensioner, and are keen to speak to a man who left the church during the service.

Church goers have condemned the “terrible” act and appealed for the safe return of the bag and its contents, especially precious photographs.

Session-clerk Elizabeth McKenzie said: “We have asked anyone that was sitting around her at the time to give what information they can and really wrack their brains for some information.

“It is a terrible thing to happen during a service, and we are very disappointed that someone would think to do such a thing as come into a church service with that kind of intent.

“This has never happened before, we have had break-ins before but something like this has never happened before, and we are all going to remain vigilant to ensure it does not happen again.

“Bourock Church is a welcoming place with a great spirit amongst our congregation, and many people are extremely upset that this has happened.

“The woman herself is absolutely lovely, and all we want is the return of her bag, especially the photographs in it which are very important to her.” Community Inspector Alan Dickson said: “This was a particularly troubling incident and has left the woman both concerned and shaken.

“We are appealing for anyone who may have been present at the service who seen anything or may have any information to contact police as soon as possible.” The contents of the bag are not known at this time and no description for the man that police wish to speak to has been released, however the church would have been busy with worshippers at the time, and police are confident that a member of the public would know or would have seen the man leave.

Inspector Dickson said: “We would like to speak to this man incase he has seen anything or he may have information that could assist us in our enquiries.

“We are hoping that people would have noticed him leave as he left during the service which can be unusual.” Anyone with information is asked to contact officers at Barrhead police station by contacting 101.

In other church news, Bourock Church is about to welcome its first minister in three years after the previous minister retired.

Rev Pamela Gordon will begin taking services in the old church from October 9.

The church has also had its bell clock repaired and restored, and it was re-installed last week.