Vandals scrawl 'offensive and inappropriate' messages on wall of Great St Mary's Church in Sawbridgeworth

Vandals caused damage and scrawled “offensive and inappropriate” messages on the side of Great St Mary’s Church in Sawbridgeworth.

The yobs struck at the place of worship in Church Street between midday on Tuesday and 4.50pm on Thursday last week (June 7-9), damaging lime render which had been applied to the building.

They scrawled messages into the render as it was drying, while also kicking it, leaving several footprints.

PCSO Amanda Higham, from the local police Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “This behaviour is completely unacceptable and has, understandably, caused a great deal of upset among the local community.

"Great St Mary’s Church is the only grade I listed building in the town and is a consecrated place of worship.

“I'm appealing for anyone who has information about what happened to please get in touch. Did you see anyone acting suspiciously in the vicinity of the church between the times stated? If you can help, please get in touch.”

Anyone with information is asked to email amanda.higham@herts.police.uk or call -emergency number 101, quoting crime reference 41/45709/22 101. You can also report information online at herts.police.uk/report or speak to an operator in the force communications room via online web chat at herts.police.uk/contact.

Alternatively, you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via the independent charity's untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org.