The stained galss windows of St James's Church in west London have been repeatedly smashed accross five nights. In total, they have been broken through 16 times. In some cases the panes have been damaged, in others they have been completely destroyed.
As a result, the interior light of the church, so characteristic of stained glass, has been completely distorted. St James's Church is now fundraising £35,000 to restore and protect the stained glass windows. A 26-year-old man has been arrested as a suspect.
The parish priest, Fr. Tim Handley, commented: "[The incident] has caused a lot of upset to many people - Christians, non-believers and people of other faiths - as St Jame's is there for everyone and very much seen by locals as their parish church. We are all extremely upset."