Graffiti daubed on church door

Police are investigating after vandals daubed elaborate runic symbols across a 13th century church.

The doorway of St Olave’s Church on Marygate is covered in red coloured hieroglyphics. St Olave’s Church is a Grade I listed parish church. It was dedicated to the patron saint of Norway, St Olaf, in 1055. After the Norman Conquest of 1066 St Olave’s became the church of the Benedictine order in York.

Rev Liz Hassall, priest-in-charge of York city centre churches, said the police have been informed.

Red paint symbols have been daubed on a stretch of York walls too over the weekend.

The public fears that it’s a hate crime, as the church doorway and bridge graffiti both include 88 – a well-known code for Heil Hitler among far right groups.

Cllr Darryl Smalley,  executive member for culture, leisure and communities at City of York Council, said on Twitter: “Like many others, I’ve reported this to the council.

“I’ll make enquiries as to whether a criminal investigation would be appropriate – agree 100% its unacceptable vandalism.”

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said: “Members of the public are quite rightly shocked by these instances of vandalism. I would urge anyone who has any information to contact us.

“Anyone with information should contact North Yorkshire Police on 101 select option 2 and ask for PC 291 John Armstrong, alternatively you can email john.armstrong@northyorkshire.police.uk”.

If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 and quote 12220035431 number when sharing information.

(York Mix)