VANDALS have smashed 11 windows in a 19th Century Durham City church - the third attack on the building this year.

Parishioners at St Edmund's Church of England Church, Bearpark, spent yesterday sweeping up the shattered glass.

Local youths are believed to be responsible for the damage, which follows a similar attack in April when three windows were broken.

Three weeks ago, thieves tried to break in to the church and damaged the locks.

The windows broken during Sunday's attack dated back to the church's construction in 1879 and will cost several hundred pounds to replace.

But, none of the stained glass windows, which are protected by a toughened plastic screen, were smashed in the attack.

Several stones and a bottle were recovered by police from inside the church.

Father Leslie Barron, vicar at St Edmund's, said his thoughts on the vandals were "unprintable".

"It is sickening, especially as it is a constant struggle to keep the church going," he said.

"I have been here for five years and we have had little bits of trouble, but we seem to have become a target in the past few months.

"We had our harvest festival on Sunday and a few church-goers were in yesterday morning cleaning up, and they were quite upset by what has happened.

"People do keep an eye out, but nobody sees or hears anything. People are frightened to do anything because their windows might be next to be attacked."

Funds will now have to be raised to cover all windows with plastic screens.

A Durham Police spokesman said the attack happened between 11am on Sunday and 9.50am yesterday.

He added: "The plain leaded windows are all originals, dating back from the church's construction, and although the exact replacement cost has yet to be calculated, it is expected to be a considerable sum.

"Some of the damage has been caused to arch windows and a number of square windows have also been struck by missiles."

Anyone with information is urged to call Meadowfield Police on 0191-378 0322.