Vandals tear cross from church wall

It is thought the cost of the damage could reach 2,000 following the attack on Birkenshaw Methodist Church.

Police were called by the church's minister, the Rev Graham Edwards, on Monday afternoon after the break-in was discovered. He said one Bible was burned, two were ripped up, chairs were slashed and hymn books destroyed.

Batley Neighbourhood Policing Team is appealing for information about the break-in in Bradford Road, Birkenshaw, on Sunday night.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said urged witnesses or anyone with any information are asked to contact 01924 295 308.