VANDALS have caused a 'huge amount of damage' at a landmark Accrington church.

St James's church in Cannon Street had one of its window smashed by a group of young children.

The Rev Ian Enticott said it was not the first time incidents of anti-social behaviour had occurred in the last year.

He said: "This has happened six or seven times over the last 12 months, so it is obviously deliberate.

"Some huge pieces of glass have come out and travelled nearly 15 feet. It would have been even more horrific if someone was in there, they could have been seriously injured."

The church was being used on Monday by the Hyndburn Helpers group, who look to support vulnerable and homeless people in the area.

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Volunteers from the group heard some children playing outside the church and discovered the damage.

Mr Enticott said: "A huge amount of damage has been done, I imagine it's going to cost a lot of money to repair.

"It's very serious, it effects the look of the whole church, and all the people who use it."

A loud bang was heard from those in the church when the incident happened.

The arch shape window which was smashed was made up from small panes with strips of lead.

A spokeswoman for Hyndburn Helpers said: "We had noticed a group of youths purposefully kicking the ball at windows, not just of the church but buildings surrounding it.

"We heard a sound, went to look but the youths had left.

"When a volunteer went to fill the water canister he realised a window had been smashed with the ball."

Other people in the area have also noticed problems with anti-social behaviour over recent times.

Cllr June Harrison, who represents the area for Hyndburn Council, said: "It's not nice at all. It's been happening on and off for a few months, children behaving badly in the area and causing problems.

"Whoever is doing it needs to have some more respect for churches, there doesn't seem to be enough these days.

"Police know about it, it's just being there in the right place to catch them. They have their hands tied, I feel a bit sorry for them."

A police spokeswoman said: "At around 10 past six it looks like unknown young offenders were kicking a ball at church and the window has smashed. The offenders then made off from the scene."

Anyone with any information should contact the police on 101 and quote the crime reference number ED1615591.