Church hit by violent spree

Rocks and headstones were hurled through the stained glass windows of a Shropshire church in a wrecking spree which caused up to £20,000 of damage.

Between 15 and 20 windows were smashed at The Church of King Charles The Martyr at Newtown, near Wem, during the attack which happened just before 7pm yesterday.

The damage was caused when stones, branches and even headstones were thrown at the building, smashing the windows, some of which were made of stained glass.

A 21-year-old man was arrested this morning on suspicion of having caused the damage and was being questioned by police today.

Today church officials said the building looked in "a real mess" following the incident last night.

Priest in charge The Reverend Peter Barnes said the cost of the damage was between £10,000 and £20,000.

He said: "Obviously it is a very sad situation. It was quite a sustained attack so there was a lot of anger from an individual. The church looks a real mess."

Extensive

Sergeant Julian Hinds said: "This is a serious incident of criminal damage where extensive damage has been caused to between 15 and 20 windows, some of which are made of stained glass.

"It is believed stones, branches and even headstones were thrown at the building to cause the damage."

The church originated from a house converted into a church by Royalist sympathisers during the Civil War in the middle of a staunch Roundhead district. The present church was built in 1869 in lancet style.

Police spokesman Richard Ewels today said police had arrested a man following the incident.

He said: "A 21-year-old man has been arrested at 10.15am this morning on suspicion of having caused the damage and has been brought to Shrewsbury police station for questioning about the matter."

Police appealed for anyone with information about the incident to contact Constable Lesley Mitchell at Wem police station on 0300 333 3000.

Information can also be given by calling the Crimestoppers number on 0800 555 111.

By Deborah Collins