FLOWER pots have been thrown through church windows in Meopham in the latest attack on religious buildings.

St Paul's Roman Catholic Church in Huntingfield Road was targeted by vandals only two weeks after Cobham and Luddesdown Churches were damaged by Hallowe'en pranksters.

Meopham PC Ron Dupree says the damage to the two stained glass windows in Meopham is around £500. He is appealing for witnesses.

Vicar of Cobham Church, Reverend Steve Davie, says it is possible the three acts of vandalism are linked and believes it is sad struggling churches are being targeted.

On Hallowe'en, youngsters climbed up the scaffolding around Cobham Church and bent the clock hands. They then set off fireworks from the the top of the tower.

The damage to the clock at the 800-year-old church will cost £200 and increased security will cost a further £500.

This comes at a time when the church is trying to raise £30,000 so repairs can be done to the roof.

On the same night, noticeboards were pulled down at Luddesdown Church.

Rev Davie went on: "It is very sad indeed that anyone would want to target churches when we are an integral part of the community.

"I can't say for definite the three acts of vandalism are linked but anyone who targets churches must be either stupid or angry about something and we can help them with that."

He added: "What many people don't realise is, churches are poor and the money for any repairs comes from the congregation."

Anyone with information about the vandalism at St Paul's on November 9 or damage to Cobham and Luddesdown Churches on October 31, should call police on 01474 565167 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

November 20, 2001 14:04

Emma Coutts-Wood