Police to probe vandalism at historic caves

The caves have been targeted by vandals for many years, said the rural crime team

Police have launched an investigation after a historical monument was defaced by vandals again.

The Anchor Church, a Grade II-listed site near Ingleby in Derbyshire, is said to be the oldest surviving Anglo-Saxon structure of its kind in the UK.

But the caves have been a target of criminal damage for many years, police said.

The force has issued images of the damage, depicting letters carved into the walls of the monument.

Police say it is a criminal offence to cause damage to the caves

A public appeal has been launched, and anyone with information is urged to contact the force

The monument was restored in August after graffiti artists daubed it in paint two years ago.

It took specialist contractors three days to remove the paint without harming the delicate sandstone underneath.

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