Stained glass windows smashed at 12th century church near Chichester

Leaded windows, said by Sussex Police to be worth around £2,000 pounds, were found to have been severely damaged in the porch of All Saints Church in East Dean, last Saturday morning (September 19).

Church warden John Holt was shocked to discover the act of vandalism at the 12th century building.

He said: "It was very unexpected. Someone has been into the porch and left quite a nasty mess.

"For some reason, they punched in the two side windows which are leaded. They have done a lot of damage.

"We are a bit bewildered about why anyone would want to do it."

Mr Holt speculated that it was done by an individual, who was 'angry with God and took it out on one of his buildings'.

"I'm mystified," he added. "It's a shame.

"Malicious damage is not something this village has ever had before. Hopefully it's just a one off.

"The porch is much newer than the rest of the church but it doesn't lessen the impact."

Sussex Police is appealing for information about the 'criminal damage of two valuable stained glass windows'.

A spokesperson said: "The leaded windows, worth around £2,000 pounds, were found to have been severely damaged in the porch of the church on Saturday morning, September 19.

"The windows had been intact at 7pm the evening before.

"Anyone with information about the incident is asked to report online or call 101 quoting reference 47200161787."