Shock at vandal attack

Both hands of a statue of the Virgin Mary have been broken off, just a week after blue paint had been thrown over the figure.

The Catholic community are stunned by the damage and they claim the vandalism was a deliberate act by someone with a grudge against the church.

St John's spokesman Tony Hilling said: "Catholics in Banbury pray to this statue. Every day worshippers come here to kneel, say prayers, and light candles.

"This is not just an attack on the statue and the church, it is an insult to the whole Catholic community in Banbury."

He said: "People were crying on the telephone when I told them what had happened."

Mr Hilling said: "It could not have been done by a passer-by on the spur of the moment. The statue is situated in a place where access from the road is not easy.

"The person who did this came with the intent, and with a weapon. The damage indicates that an axe or something similar was used."

He added: "We want the police to track down the culprits.

"If something like this had been done to the mosque in Merton Street there would be uproar.

"The statue of Our Lady is very special to Catholics in Banbury, and the damage could not have come at a worst time, with preparations for Easter getting under way.

"We will pray for those who did this. We have to forgive them in Holy Week, but they will have to answer to the highest authority eventually."

Gwen Ingham, a volunteer at St John's, said: "Someone rang the presbytery doorbell on Thursday afternoon and told us what had happened. We went out and saw the hands on the ground.

"It was a despicable act. The statue has been here more than 60 years and we will have to see if it can be repaired. A new figure will cost many thousands of pounds."

A Thames Valley Police spokesman said: "This was a callous act and we are urging anyone who saw those responsible to come forward and speak to police on 08458 505505 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111."