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Hove Church Vandalized: Flowers Ripped, Headstone Targeted
3 Dec
Summary
- Vandalism at St Andrew's Church included destroying lights and flowers.
- A suspect attempted to remove a headstone from a grave.
- The incident occurred around 19:10 GMT on November 27th.
Shocking vandalism has targeted St Andrew's Church in Hove, leaving its churchyard significantly damaged. CCTV footage captured a man dismantling outdoor lights, uprooting flowers from a World War Two memorial, and attempting to remove a headstone from a grave. Reverend Dan Henderson described the act as a profound shock, noting that the churchyard is a sanctuary for peace and reflection.
The incident occurred at approximately 19:10 GMT on November 27th. While police are appealing for information, Reverend Henderson mentioned initial feedback suggested limited immediate action. The church faces the challenge of replacing the damaged property, particularly the lights, as they operate on a deficit budget, impacting their preparations for Advent and Christmas services.
Despite the damage, Reverend Henderson remains hopeful, emphasizing the Christmas theme of joy. He stated that this joy, derived from faith, cannot be diminished by such destructive acts. Police are seeking a white man in his 60s, approximately 6ft tall, with grey hair and wearing a black and red jacket.
