SICK criminals went on the rampage in a Radcliffe church, defecating in the vestry and destroying communion wine and wafers intended for the sick and elderly.

The shocking incident occurred in St Thomas and St John CE Church last Thursday afternoon (Aug 24) between 12.40pm and 6.30pm.

Hooligans ripped a metal grille from a window and then smashed their way in through a leaded window. Once inside they forced open the vestry door and ran wild.

Churchwarden Mr Terry Atherton said: "They ripped an aumbrey from the wall containing consecrated wine and wafers which we take out to the housebound for communion and then defecated in the vestry."

A phone and a small amount of cash was stolen but it is the damage to the building which has caused the most expense.

"It's going to cost around £1,000," said Mr Atherton. "There is no need for this. Nothing of any real value is kept in the church."

Team Rector, the Rev Chich Hewitt, said: "I am extremely saddened and concerned by what has happened. It is particularly worrying that something like this can occur in the centre of the town on a sunny afternoon."

Anyone with any information about the break in should call Radcliffe Police on 856 8292.