VANDALS have smashed 40 church window panes in a wrecking rampage over the festive period.

The damage at St John's Church, in St John's Street, Great Harwood is estimated at over £1,000 and is the result of four separate incidents.

Police are now working with the vicar, the Rev Brian Darbyshire, and have sent a letter to residents in the area seeking their help.

Mr Darbyshire said: "We have had massive vandalism on the west window of St John's Church.

"It now looks as though the church is derelict.

"We are now having to hold services without heating so these vandals have not only broken the windows but have disturbed the life of the church as well.

"I don't know what possesses people to do something like this. It is a tragic sad statement of society.

"People in church were in tears and were unable to understand why it has happened."

The first attack happened just before a carol service on December 19. The other three occurred on December 29, December 30 and New Year's Eve.

Mr Darbyshire said the windows would now need protection, which he estimated could cost £2,000. Last year the insurers spent £16,000 repairing vandalism at the church, which included damage to windows and the roof.

Police said the latest attacks coincide with a spate of criminal damage offences committed in the St Hubert's Road area of Great Harwood.

Inspector Bob Ford, of Great Harwood police, is appealing for anyone with information to contact them.

He said: "Any criminal offence committed on religious premises is wholly unacceptable.

"We are anxious to hear from anyone who may have information about the offences. We will treat any information in confidence."

Anyone with information can call Great Harwood Police on 01254 884800 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

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