Stained-glass window smashed and church TVs stolen

A late-Victorian stained-glass window was smashed during the burglary

A stained-glass window was smashed by burglars and several televisions were stolen from a 900-year-old Dartmoor church, its rector has said.

The Right Reverend Mark Rylands, assistant bishop in the Diocese of Exeter, said a processional cross was also stolen from St Andrew's Church in Ashburton while other items had been ripped up and damaged.

Devon and Cornwall Police said the burglary happened overnight between Tuesday 27 August and Wednesday 28 August.

Bishop Rylands said he was "extremely grateful" for the messages of support and offers of help he had received.

The Right Reverend Mark Rylands said he had been flooded with messages of support and offers of help

He said: "The church is one of a number of local organisations and businesses to have been targeted in the last few days.

"Our prayers are with everyone who has been affected by these burglaries and we want to offer our support to the whole community."

Other services and events at the church are expected to continue as usual.