A female vicar was left ‘traumatised’ after being car-jacked by two teenagers as she left a church service yesterday (Sun).
The Reverend Irene Wilson was forced from her car by two boys before they drove off in it taking her handbag and a ‘significant amount’ of cash
Her colleague, the Reverend Matt Woodcock, said Rev Wilson is ‘traumatised.’
A 13-year-old and 16-year-old were later arrested and are now in custody.
Rev Woodcock told of how Rev Wilson had got into her car and turned on the engine when the teens, who looked “about 12 or 13”, appeared “from nowhere”.
They began swearing at her and forced her from the grey Fiat Sabia before driving away with her handbag, which contained a “significant amount of cash” and keys to Holy Trinity Church, in Hull city centre, East Yorks.
Rev Woodcock said: “She told me they came out of nowhere. They looked about 12 or 13 – young teenagers. They were effing and blinding at her and basically forced her out of the car. They were using every swearword under the sun.”
He said Rev Wilson had been left shaken by the robbery.
“She is traumatised. When they drove off, she shouted for help. She ran into the church and a couple of people tried to run down the road and catch them. They were seen making their getaway over the A63 [Myton, Hull] bridge.
“It was reported to the police. There was a handbag in there, cash and all the church keys so we are going to have to change the locks.”
He added: “Irene was very distressed.
“She is beautiful inside and out. Her whole life is about helping other people. For this to happen to someone like her just even sadder.”
He said the police had called in the force helicopter to search for the boys.
He said: “The police helicopter was scrambled. Hopefully these lads will be brought to justice.
“Apparently the police spotted them from the helicopter not with the car and I think they are trying to locate where they are.
“We would love it if someone could hand her things back to her.”
He said the robbery was an isolated incident and Holy Trinity was a safe place.
He said: “This is the first thing of its kind at Holy Trinity. It is a safe place.
“We have all been praying for Irene. We prayed these lads will see the light on day and take responsibility.”
People were quick to express their concern for Irene.
Posting on Twitter, Pete Thornton said: “Dreadful – hope she isn’t injured.”
Humberside Police say they have arrested two teenagers on suspicion of robbery following the incident.
A spokeswoman said: “Two teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of robbery following an incident outside a Hull church today.
“Officers were called at shortly after 1.30pm today (Sunday), following reports of the suspected robbery of a grey Skoda Fabia, close to the Holy Trinity Church, South Church Side.
“Officers – including the force helicopter – were involved in an extensive search of the area, resulting in the arrest of a 13-year-old and 16-year-old a short time later.
“Both remain in custody at this time.”
Anyone with information should call Humberside Police on 101.
