A MINISTER who was mugged outside his own church said criminals see clergymen and women as a "soft target".

The Reverend Graham Maskery, 49, was attacked outside the United Reformed Church in Priory Street, York, and has urged witnesses to help police.

He was confronted in an alleyway at the back of the church by a man who demanded money in a late-night attack. When he refused the attacker made off empty-handed.

PC Tony Papworth, who is investigating the attack, said although the Rev Maskery did not get a clear look at his attacker, the man was wearing distinctive clothing.

The Rev Maskery, who lives at Dunnington, said: "This has left me feeling pretty angry with whoever did this. I was pretty shaken up by it at the time.

"But now I feel it's completely wrong that people should see clergy men and women as an easy target.

"Just because we live our lives in accordance with the teachings of Jesus doesn't mean we don't get angry like anyone else."

The attack happened as the minister returned to his church to do some work on Friday, September 30, at about 9.50pm.

He was approached from behind and pinned against the wall by the attacker who demanded his money.

The attacker is thought to have been wearing a red baseball cap and a royal blue short-sleeved top with a Vodafone emblem on the left sleeve. It is thought to be an England cricket shirt.

PC Papworth said the suspect was white, in his mid 20s, about 5ft 10ins, of stocky build with dark collar-length hair and slight stubble on his face. Witnesses should phone 0845 6060247.

This is not the first time the church has been targeted by thieves.

In October last year, the Evening Press reported that as Rev Maskery led a Sunday service his wallet, credit cards, mobile phone and £215 of holiday money had been snatched.

He later realised that £300 of charity money had also been stolen.

Updated: 10:16 Tuesday, October 18, 2005