A SUSPECT from Runcorn has been named by the courts after being charged with burgling five different churches in the space of a month.

It comes following a police appeal launched in the wake of some of the burglaries, with a suspect due to appear in court.

Burglaries were reported at five churches across Warrington, Northwich and Frodsham, as well as at Lion Salt Works Museum in Northwich, and a theft of money from Castle Park Arts Centre in Frodsham.

Bradley Higham, of no fixed abode, but of Runcorn, has been charged with six counts of burglary with intent to steal, seven of fraud by false representation, one of theft by finding and two of breaching a criminal behaviour order.

According to court documents, the charges relate to alleged offences committed between May 7 and June 2.

The Warrington churches involved are St Thomas’ Church in Stockton Heath, St Wilfrid's Church in Grappenhall and Lymm United Reformed Church.

Following the break-ins, it was reported that damage was caused to the churches, some of which are historic and Grade II-listed.

Burglaries were also reported at St Mary and All Saints' Church in Great Budworth and St Laurence Church in Frodsham.

With the fraud charges, it is alleged that Higham used the bank cards of two women to buy goods worth £345.59 in total from Sainsbury’s, Asda and Sports Direct in Northwich.

The 46-year-old is due to make a first appearance in relation to the charges before Chester Magistrates’ Court today, Friday.