Church vandals steal tapestry and break cross

Lincolnshire Police said it received a report of criminal damage and theft from St Helen's Church, in West Keal, on Monday

Vandals have stolen a tapestry, burnt signage and broken a cross at a church - leaving worshippers "annoyed and upset".

Lincolnshire Police said it received a report of criminal damage and theft at St Helen's Church in West Keal, which was discovered at about 13:00 GMT on Monday.

In addition to the damage, flowers were thrown around and curtains were pulled down.

Churchgoer Max Gibson, who regularly lays flowers on family members' graves, said the break-in was "disappointing".

One of the main alter crosses was left on the floor after being broken

The 62-year-old from Spilsby, whose parents are scattered nearby, said he had planned to leave flowers in memory of his mother on Tuesday, as it would have been her birthday.

However, he saw online that the church had been "ransacked".

"This has annoyed and upset me," said Mr Gibson, whose grandmother, two aunts, a cousin and his grandfather - who wound the church clock for 25 years - are also interred there.

"We go there three or four times a year and it was just disappointing to know something like this happened at a church that holds meaning for us."

Church volunteers described the damage as "upsetting and pointless"

A church volunteer, who did not want to be named, described the damage as "upsetting and pointless".

"There is a great deal of support for the church and we are a group of dedicated volunteers who look after it and keep it open for everyone to enjoy," she said.

Other damage included hand sanitiser being emptied on the floor, pictures being taken down, exterior signs in the garden being removed and crosses being put outside.

Police said officers were carrying out inquiries to determine who was responsible for "such mindless damage".

Anyone with any information about the offences, which were thought to have happened between Friday and Monday, should contact the force.

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