Police are investigating damage caused to Christ Church in Laxey over the weekend.

Shortly ahead of the church beginning its 8am Sunday service, a member of the congregation discovered there had been forced entry into the building with damage caused to the internal lock and bolts of the front door.

Two wet patches were found on the carpet near the centre of the church under the lectern (a reading desk) near the front of the building.

Police - who described the vandalism as mindless on social media - said that one of the stains smelt strongly of alcohol. They believe the damage to have been caused between 3pm on Saturday and 7.50am on Sunday.

Derek Osborn, who is the church warden, said: ’It had been a bad night of weather on Saturday. The rain was hammering down and it was very cold. Maybe someone was cold and wanted to find a place to sleep.

’There was no other damage apart from the door and wet patches. They could have done a lot more.

’I feel the person was more sad than bad and possibly had far too much to drink and couldn’t get home.’

He added that the 8am service went ahead despite the discovery.

Christ Church was consecrated in 1856 and was built for the growing population in the village due to the mining industry.

If you have any further information in relation to this incident, contact the police on 631212 or email Constable Brandon Parker at [email protected].police.uk