Historic Statue of Our Lady Smashed Outside Church in Middlesbrough
On 30 December 2025, a statue of Our Lady outside a church in Middlesbrough was repeatedly pushed to the ground and smashed, causing extensive damage. The destruction of a long-standing Marian statue caused shock among parishioners and local residents.
The incident occurred outside St Alphonsus Church in North Ormesby. According to police and church representatives, an unknown individual repeatedly pushed a statue of Our Lady until it fell and shattered. Its head was broken off and other parts were also destroyed. Church representatives said the damage amounted to several thousand pounds.
The destruction of the Marian statue affected not only the church community but also local residents, many of whom viewed it as part of the area’s heritage. John Idio, parish priest of the Sacred Heart parish, which includes St Alphonsus, said he was shocked by what happened. He stated that the statue had been part of “countless memories, from first holy communions to confirmations and weddings” and described it as a valued part of North Ormesby.
CCTV footage captured the incident, and police opened an investigation. On 5 January 2026, Cleveland Police confirmed that a 41-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and later released on bail while enquiries continued.
Source: Teesside