YOBS have damaged two churches in the Warminster area in attacks which have outraged local church leaders.

Between March 11 and March 15, a yob threw bolts through a large stained glass window above the altar at the 19th century St Lawrence Chapel in Market Place.

The attack caused two large holes. The value of the damage is unknown but is expected to cost a significant sum to repair.

Andrew Folker, the chairman of the St Lawrence Feoffees, said: "I am absolutely astounded at the wanton damage.

"Two bolts were thrown or must have been fired with great force at the windows from outside the chapel.

"We are getting quotes for the repairs but it is probably going to be a lot more expensive than we think.

"Your can't print what I think about the person who has done this. The chapel is not owned by the Church of England, it is owned by the people of Warminster."

Between 8pm on March 13 and 7am on March 14, a vandal entered the cemetery at St George’s Church in Boreham Road and used a metal pipe connector to shatter a glass door to the church hall.

Police said no entry was gained to the hall but the damage is estimated at approximately £300.

PCSO Roland Revers said: “This type of behaviour is simply unacceptable. The stained glass window damaged at St Lawrence Chapel dates back to the 1850s so the cost to repair is likely to be high and will need to be carried out by a specialist.

“We have conducted house to house enquiries in the area but would urge anyone who saw or heard anyone acting suspiciously in these areas around these times to call 101.”

Quote crime reference numbers 54200026796 or 54200026786 if you have any information.