Cross broken: Church in West Keal vandalised

Case information
Incident date
Country
United Kingdom
Place
West Keal
Categories
  • Social Hostility / Intolerance
Attack Against
  • Faith
Perpetrator / Motive Indicators
  • Private
Hate Crime & Violent Incidents
  • Theft
  • Vandalism (all)
  • Vandalism of Church
  • Intolerance towards Religious Symbols
Place of Incident
  • Church
Bias Indicators
  • Lack of Other Motive
  • Significance of Property/Structure/Location to religious community
  • Victim/Witness Perception
Reported to Police
  • Yes
Response of Local Authorities
  • Investigated
Image credit: x.com (Horncastle, Spilsby & Woodhall Spa Police)

Sometime between 14 and 17 February, the Episcopal Church of St Helen in West Keal was robbed and vandalised by unknown offenders. The criminals broke a cross, burned signs, stole a tapestry and caused other damage. The crime has been reported to Lincolnshire Police, who are investigating.

The Episcopal community of West Keal is 'annoyed and upset' following the senseless attack on St Helen's Church. As well as smashing a cross and burning signs, the vandals poured hand sanitiser on the floor, took down several pictures and removed outside signs and crosses.

According to a church volunteer, "there is a great deal of support for the church and we are a group of dedicated volunteers who look after it and keep it open for everyone to enjoy". Lincolnshire Police are investigating.

Sources