Church graves desecrated in third attack by vandals
St John's the Evangelist ChurchA church has been left reeling after a third incident of vandalism in as many days - with the latest including the desecration of at least six graves.
St John the Evangelist Church in Abram, Wigan, also had its historic windows, which had been relocated from an original church built in 1838, damaged in two of the incidents.
The latest attack happened between 01:00 and 03:00 BST on Tuesday, Greater Manchester Police said.
The church described the incidents as "heartbreaking" and appealed for anyone with information to contact police.
In a Facebook post, the church, which has a community cafe, said the windows would cost thousands of pounds to replace.
"We are just meeting all of our bills. This will obviously make this year more difficult," the post continued.
"Trying to be positive - but if our church closes - what will happen to worship, to the churchyard, to the craft club, to the Wednesday breakfasts and everything else we try."
A police spokesman said: "This behaviour is completely unacceptable and deeply upsetting to our local community.
"We do have CCTV footage of the suspected offenders, and officers will be following up all lines of enquiry.
"We would ask anyone with information to please come forward."
Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
