A SUFFOLK church vicar has spoken out today after vandals smashed 30 panes of glass at his church and pulled over ten grave stones.The attack, caused more than £400 of damage at St Mary's Church, in Church Lane, Combs.

A SUFFOLK church vicar has spoken out today after vandals smashed 30 panes of glass at his church and pulled over ten grave stones.

The attack, caused more than £400 of damage at St Mary's Church, in Church Lane, Combs.

Coming just days away from Christmas, the damage has thrown the church's festive celebrations into chaos.

John Ross, who has only been a vicar at the 15th century church for a couple of weeks, said a church member spotted two young boys in the church grounds while he walked his dogs.

The boys have been described as aged around 12-years-old and wearing dark clothing.

The attack happened at around 2.20pm yesterday afternoon.

Mr Ross said: "Whoever did this obviously don't realise all the heartache they have caused.

It is hard to understand why they did it, whether they were just bored or cross at the church in some way."

Mr Ross said the graves that had been damaged were still regularly visited by family members and the church warden had visited those families today to tell them about the incident.

The insurance company has been alerted to the incident but as yet there is no information about when the windows will be repaired or if the graves will be covered on the policy.

Mr Ross added: "There have been problems with the church in the past with windows being smashed and people drinking alcohol in the church yard but as far as I am aware we have never had anything as bad as this."

Nick Clarke, diocesan communications director, said: "Vandalism to a church or any other building is always very sad and distressing.

"We can only hope that those responsible will be identified and that they can be made to understand the hurt they have caused so many people in the Combs community."

Anyone who witnessed the incident or any suspicious activity is asked to call Pc Carl Smith at Stowmarket police station on 01284 774100 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

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