A PRIEST was punched in the face when he confronted drunken yobs trying to damage his church.

Father Anthony Barrett, of Sacred Heart and St Edward's RC Church, Darwen, received cuts to the face in the attack -- which police described as "beyond belief" -- although he declined hospital treatment.

Today a spokesman for the Salford Diocese, which covers Roman Catholic churches in Blackburn and Darwen, said the incident was "an unfortunate sign of the times."

Sergeant Andrea Bradbury, of Darwen Police, said officers were called to the Blackburn Road church shortly after 10pm on Tuesday after receiving reports of two drunken males causing problems. She said the men were kicking the door and attacking it with their bottles. When Fr Barrett confronted them he was attacked.

Sgt Bradbury said: "Mr Barrett had some kind of altercation with the men and was punched in the face, causing minor injuries. All incidents where there is damage to places of worship are deplorable and the fact that somebody has gone to a church when drunk, and assaulted a vicar is beyond belief. It is totally unacceptable and we will do everything in our power to bring these offenders to book."

Last September hundred of pounds of damage was caused by a blaze at the church when vandals threw a petrol bomb was through a window into the sacristy -- where the priest prepares for Mass. And there were 227 attacks on churches in the county during 2000.

Father Michael Walsh, a spokesman for the Salford Diocese, said attacks were a regular occurrence: "I'm very sad that this has happened but unfortunately it is not uncommon, churches are plagued by vandals. It's terrible, but many people have problems with vandalism, be it on their homes, public buildings or churches.

"If anything these attacks are a disturbing sign of the times. This lawlessness is a regular occurrence."

Father Barrett would only say that he was not hurt in the incident. Anyone with information can call Sgt Bradbury at Darwen Police on 01254 353844.