Police appeal after vandals strike at one of England's oldest Norman churches in Nottinghamshire village
Even one of the stained glass windows were smashed
Shameless vandals have caused thousands of pounds worth of damage after breaking into one of the oldest Norman churches in England.
Police were called after lowlife yobs went on the rampage at St Mary and St Martin’s Church, in the picturesque village of Blyth, Notts.
The offenders gained access to the historic Grade I listed building by smashing a stained glass window some time between last Thursday (20/2) and Sunday (23/2).
An effigy of a knight which dates from the 13th Century was damaged after bricks were dropped on it while other religious artefacts including a brass crucifix were vandalised.
A knife was stabbed into the wooden door to the church bell tower, graffiti was scrawled on the walls and cash was taken from the back offices.
The stunning church is one of the oldest examples of Norman architecture in the country and its origins date back to 1088.
Gogglebox star Kate Bottley was a vicar there until 2016.
The break-in is being investigated as a heritage crime by officers from Nottinghamshire Police.
Such crimes are defined by Historic England as any offence which harms the value of heritage assets and their settings.
Church warden George Robinson said: "We've been having some building work done and they have managed to gain access via the scaffolding and kick through one of the windows.
"They have got in by smashing a stained glass window depicting St Nicholas and then proceeded to make a real mess.
"At some point they got into the vestry and used a brass cross from there as a weapon to smash things up.
"They have also tried taking our audio equipment from the back and escaped with money.
"It was a 10ft drop down so they have probably realised they couldn't get out but used one of the builder's ladders to escape.
"Everyone in the village has said how disgusted they are by what happened. The community really pulled together to help clean up.
"The stained glass window alone will cost about £10,000 to replace and we estimate they caused at least £15,000 worth of damage.
"It has caused a lot of upset in the village."
The break-in took place at some point between 7pm last Thursday and 2pm on Sunday.
Officers have since carried out house-to-house inquiries and conducted a trawl of CCTV footage.
They are now asking for anyone with any information, or relevant CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage, to contact the force.
Inspector Rob Harrison, district commander for Bassetlaw, said: “This was an appalling attack on a beautiful and historic building which has understandably upset people in the village.
“We are determined to trace those responsible and believe the public could have an important part to play.
“The church and its grounds are frequently visited by people and we’d ask if you passed by and noticed anything which could assist our investigation to please get in touch.
“Likewise, if you were in the area and heard glass being smashed we’d like to hear from you.”
Anyone who can assist is asked to call police on 101, quoting incident number 339 of 22 February 2025.
Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.