Wise Men statues at Mendlesham church decapitated

The vandalism happened at some point between Friday evening and Saturday morning

Three 70-year-old figurines of the Wise Men have been decapitated as they stood in an outdoor nativity scene.

The vandalism at St Mary's Church in Mendlesham, near Stowmarket, happened sometime between Friday evening and Saturday morning, Suffolk Police said.

It said the church gates were damaged and the heads were broken off the Three Wise Men, each about 1ft (0.3m) tall.

The force has appealed for information and said the church was hopeful the plaster statues could be repaired.

John Howard, spokesman for the Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich, said: "It's always sad when vandals strike anywhere in our Suffolk communities.

"Our churches are at the very hearts of the communities they serve, with many Christians giving their time voluntarily to make a difference to others lives, which makes vandalism at a church especially sad.

"I would support Suffolk Constabulary's appeal for information on this vandalism."