Saint Mary Magdalene Church in Caldecote Severely Vandalised
10 days after the Saint Mary Magdalene Church in Caldecote reopened it fell victim to vandalism. Windows were smashed, a powder fire extinguisher was emptied inside the church and the decorations were torn off and bleach was thrown over the floor and altar. The incident is said to have happened between 4:30 and 5:30 p.m. on 29 of July. Police have been informed and are currently investigating the case.
Volunteers and church-goers "are absolutely heartbroken and really do feel it is a personal attack". On their social media the charity "Friends of Friendless Churches" stated: "Last night we had a call, our church at Caldecote, Hertfordshire had been vandalised. Windows smashed, powder fire extinguishers let off all over the interior, decorations smashed, bleach thrown over floor and altar. The church only reopened 10 days ago after 9 months of repair. It may not look like much, but the powder is everywhere. In every crevice. It’s thick. Hours of cleaning and barely any difference made."
The church published on its Facebook page, that they had informed the police: "The police are treating the crime very seriously; therefore, for the duration of investigation - and cleaning, the church will remain closed until further notice. Although not toxic, the powder should not be inhaled and so we have to take every precaution to remove every trace of it before the church can be safely re-opened for the enjoyment of our visitors."
The historic fourteenth and fifteenth-century church was taken on by the charity in 1982 and is currently listed as a Grade II* Building.
Sources: premierchristian.news; thecomet.net, Facebook
Photo by facebook.com