Policing WA’s strict mandates on proof of vaccination and mask wearing in public and community division over the restrictions were laid bare in stark circumstances at a local Perth church on Thursday night.

While the parish priest at St Bernadette’s Glendalough church (above) was half way through his liturgy, a police officer entered the church and addressed the entire congregation at the 5.45pm service.

One of the parishioners, Matthew, told Liam Bartlett on 6PR Mornings the officer halted proceedings to check vaccination certificates, after receiving reports some people were not wearing masks.

“Everyone was pretty stunned, it was confronting,” he said.

“It’s pretty confronting seeing police vests and stuff in church.”

Tap PLAY below to hear more on what happened.