A US pastor has been robbed of $1million (£830,000) worth of jewellery whilst live-streaming a church service.

Bishop Lamar Whitehead, of Leaders of Tomorrow International Churches, in Brooklyn, New York was leading an online service on Sunday, 24th July, when gunmen burst into the place of worship.

In a video on Instagram, Whitehead reflected on the terrifying turn of events. 

He said: "When I [saw] them come into the sanctuary with their guns, I told everybody, 'Get down.' 

"I didn't know if they wanted to shoot the church up, or if they were just coming for a robbery."

According to the New York Police Department, the perpetrators made off with $1 million worth of jewellery, belonging to the bishop and his wife, before fleeing in a white Mercedes Benz.

Whitehead attempted to follow them on foot before embarking on a car chase. 

In the video, he addresses the elephant in the room - the reason he was wearing such expensive jewellery in the first place. 

"I know a lot of people are gonna say, 'Oh, why are you so flashy?'" he said.

He continued: "It's not about me being flashy, it's about me purchasing what I want to purchase. It's my prerogative to purchase what I want to purchase. If I worked hard for it, I can purchase what I want to purchase."

Bishop Whitehead is offering $50,000 (£41,500) to the person that brings the perpetrators to arrest. 

Outside of his role in the church, Whitehead owns mortgage and real estate companies.