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14th century church vandalised

The 14th century church of St. Mary Magdalene, which is Grade II-listed and maintained by the Friends of Friendless Churches charity, was heavily vandalised a mere ten days after it reopened following nine months of repairs.

The church in Caldecote, Hertfordshire had its windows smashed, decorations destroyed and its furniture, floors and altar covered in fire extinguishing powder and bleach.The incident apparently happened on Thursday 29th July between 4:30 – 5:30pm

The charity published photos of the destruction on social media, noting that though “it may not look like much,” the fire extinguishing powder “is everywhere” and “in every crevice.”

“It’s thick. Hours of cleaning and barely any difference made. The vandals were very obviously disturbed. It could have been so much worse, but this is so disheartening. Why? Why do something like this?”

In its own statement, the Church of St. Mary Magdalene condemned the “mindless act of vandalism,” and claimed that the police “are treating the crime very seriously.”

Due to the police investigation and clean-up efforts, the church announced that it would “remain closed until further notice” until it can be “safely re-opened.”

Several cases of vandalism against churches have been recorded in the UK during the coronavirus pandemic. In April, historic stained glass windows at a church in Lincolnshire were damaged after vandals appeared to use them for “target practice,” while, in October last year, a man was filmed trying to pull a large crucifix off a church roof in London.

(Picture Courtesy: Friends of Friendless Churches)

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