Vandals attack Welsh church

Members of a church in Wales were left “devastated” after finding the windows of their building smashed by thugs hurling rocks.

St Gwynour’s in Penclawdd, South Wales, had recently renovated its windows at a cost of around £2,000.

Warden Pamela Evans said: “There was broken glass all over the church.”

She continued: “They also threw rocks through the windows of the vicar’s room – and they threw them with such force even a mirror on the wall inside was smashed.

“When the congregation arrived they were devastated – some of the older members were in tears.

“We had to cancel the service, and we all went home to collect vacuum cleaners and dustpans and brushes to clear the mess.”

The church has previously been attacked with air guns being fired at windows and damage to trees planted in memory of Penclawdd men who died in conflict.

The vicar of St Gwynour’s, Michael Walters, said the sadness from the attack would ripple through the area.

Mr Walters said: “It was terrible to see the extent of the damage – and to see the shock and hurt in the eyes of the congregation.

“A lot of people in Penclawdd have a deep emotional attachment to St Gwynour’s – generations of families are buried here.

“People always speak about the church with love and affection, and I am sure the hurt will be felt in the wider community.”

Police are appealing to witnesses to call Crimestoppers.

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