VICAR SHOOTS A BURGLAR.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 81891, 21 November 1906, Page 4

VICAR SHOOTS A BURGLAR.

The Rev. Forbes Phillips, vicar of Gorleston, Yarmouth, has had an exciting experience witn a supposed burglar, who was attempting to commit sacrilege at the beautiful Church of St. Andrews, where the offertory boxes were robbed only a week ago. In consequence of this theft the vicar and cnurchwardens have taken turns in watching in the churchyard. On Sunday about midnight the vicar was watching alone. From his place of concealment he saw a man make an attempt on tne north porch door. The vicar peremptorily ordered the man to throw up his hands and surrender, but he took to his heels. At short range the vicar shot at him with a revolver, and the man fell to the ground groaning. Getting the assistance of the parish clerk and other officials, the vicar returned to tf-e cuurchyard, only to find that the victim of his markmansiiip had disappeared. The man has not been seen since, but he left traces of blood on the ground. Another telegram states that the vicar had betn wachiug about two hours wh«n he saw a man emerge from the tombstones and begin tampering with the church door He gave tais man and his confederate e/very opportunity to come out of their place of concealment, and called upon them to hold up their hands, but they bolted back in 'he; darkness among the tombs, and he fired. Hearing one man shriek.and fall the vicar concluded he was hit, but the night being wet and dark the escapet of both men was facilitated.