An appeal has been made to local villagers to find vandals and thieves after two separate attacks on a church which has recently been the subject of an £86,000 restoration.

It is the third time the leaded light window in Wethersfield Parish Church has been attacked. It was smashed just before the restoration.

Singers celebrating wedding music were in the church last month when at least half a dozen holes were smashed in the porch window, apparently with a piece of wood.

Now all the lead and bronze frame has been ripped from the masonry surround. It has since been found in churchyard undergrowth.

It is believed the raider may have cut their hands during the removal and someone must know about the injury.

The current edition of the Wethersfield, Blackmore End and Beazley End News, published by the Wethersfield Parish Council reveals the leaded light window had only just been replaced, prior to the recent £86,000 restoration.

Church Treasurer Roy Threadgold said:"It's a porch where youngsters tend to congregate. We are taking it seriously and are liaising with the police."

Anyone who might have information about the crimes are asked to contact Braintree Police on 01376 551312 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

Published Wednesday July 21, 2004

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