Church vandalised after opening just 10 days ago after months of repair

A church in Hertfordshire, UK has been vandalised, with windows smashed, powder fire extinguishers let off inside and decorations attacked and bleach thrown over floor and altar. 

St Mary Magdalene in Caldecote was attacked on Thursday 29th July between 4:30 - 5:30pm according to Friends of Friendless Churches, who look after the church. Their volunteers have spent hours clearing up thick powder from the fire extinguisher and "are absolutely heartbroken and really do feel it is a personal attack," according to the charity. 

Friends of Friendless Churches explained on Twitter: "Last night we had a call, our church at Caldecote, Hertfordshire had been vandalised. Windows smashed, powder fire extinguishers let off all over the interior, decorations smashed, bleach thrown over floor and altar. The church only reopened 10 days ago after 9 months of repair.

"It may not look like much, but the powder is everywhere. In every crevice. It’s thick. Hours of cleaning and barely any difference made."

On the church's facebook page, it was explained that the police are involved: "The police are treating the crime very seriously; therefore, for the duration of investigation - and cleaning, the church will remain closed until further notice. Although not toxic, the powder should not be inhaled and so we have to take every precaution to remove every trace of it before the church can be safely re-opened for the enjoyment of our visitors."

St Mary Magdalene was taken on by the Friends of Friendless Churches in 1982 after a declaration of redundancy. The church is listed Grade II* and dates from the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. 

The church has many historic features, including a medieval font and pews and a Georgian pulpit.

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