VANDALS have broken into a village church causing substantial damage.

Sometime between August 14 and 16, vandals broke into Stainton Parish Church, on the outskirts of Middlesbrough, via the bell tower and extensive damage was caused to the church roof.

PC Bill Parker, from Coulby Newham Police, said: "This mindless act of vandalism is both stupid and dangerous.

"Not only could somebody have been hurt whilst on the roof, but it is now going to cost the church to fix the damage."

Anyone with information is asked to call PC Parker on (01642) 303483.