A NATIVITY scene in Hyndburn has been smashed in a 'terrible' attack.
A police investigation has been launched following the incident in Barnes Square, Clayton-le-Moors.
The nativity scene, which was protected by glass, was broken into between Thursday and Friday last week but the figurines were not stolen.
They were moved away from the scene while the casing was repaired.
Cllr Tim O'Kane, who represents the area on Hyndburn Council, said: "It's a terrible shame for local residents that something that this has happened.
"The police are currently trying to establish exactly what happened.
"We have got the nativity repaired as soon as possible as we knew how important it is to people in the area.
"I would call on anyone who has any information to contact the police so that we can bring the real culprits of this crime to justice.
"I hope that nothing like this ever happens again."
More than 40 people have commented on Cllr O'Kane's Facebook post updating residents on the state of the nativity with some calling on more police officers on the streets of Clayton-le-Moors.
The scene has now been repaired and while an investigation has been started by the police, no arrests have yet been made.
A police spokesman said: "An investigation has been launched after an incident that happened sometime between 6pm on Thursday, December 17, and 8am on Friday, December 18.
"Unknown offenders approached the nativity display.
"By unknown means the glass was damaged which, it is estimated, will cost around £300 to repair.
"We are reviewing CCTV images from nearby cameras and we are appealing for anybody who has any information to call 101."
The incident comes a few years after a babyJesus, Mary and four other figures have been stolen from Clitheroe's centrepiece nativity display.
The 2ft tall plaster cast figures, worth £2,500, were stolen from outside Clitheroe Castle in 2009.
As well as Jesus and Mary, a shepherd, donkey, sheep and angel, were taken.
Cllr O'Kane added that this was the first time the nativity scene in Clayton-le-Moors had been targeted.