Vandals smash church's new window

6:41pm Friday 4th July 2008

Comments (2)   Have your say »

YOBS have vandalised a church which is being refurbished.

Keith Britton, minister at Wickford Evangelical Church, is clearing up after vandals tossed a brick through his new, seven-foot church window.

The church, in Nevendon Road, is being fixed after benefiting from a donation of thousands of pounds from another evangelical church in Barking, which recently closed.

Mr Britton said: "It's sad to think someone would deliberately damage a new structure.

"I think it's probably the best part of £1,000 damage."

A laminate floor and the front door of the church were also damaged.

Work to extend the 100-year-old building started in November and includes installing a disabled toilet, new windows and flooring.

Mr Britton added: "The money allowed us to go for an extension.

"I just don't know how someone could do this. All the people from the church are extremely disappointed.

"Sadly, it's a sign of the times."

The attack was on Wednesday evening, some time after 10pm.