Police have released footage of a person they wish to speak with over an incident of vandalism at a church in Leyland.
On Good Friday (18 April), the exterior of the St James’ Church in Leyland and around 40 gravestones nearby were daubed with offensive graffiti.
The attack did not deter the congregation who carried on with their usual services, including a wedding on the Saturday. The local community gathered to help them remove the graffiti in record time.
Read more: Man, 64, leads police on chase through Preston streets before crashing at Blackpool Road
A statement from police on Saturday indicated they were treating the vandalism as a hate crime.
Footage released by police shows a person moving across Leyland in the early hours of the morning and they wish to speak with that person in connection with the incident.
The footage was made from a separate report of damage in the Slater Lane area over Easter weekend, but police believe the incidents could be connected.
A spokesperson for police said: “We would like to speak with the person in the footage in connection with the incidents. We know that this footage isn’t of the highest quality, but are hoping that someone will recognise them.
“This is being treated as a hate crime and is being taken incredibly seriously. Understandably, this has caused a great amount of upset to the parishioners and the wider community, and we would encourage anyone who has information or footage to come forward and speak to us.
“If you live near to the church, please check any CCTV or doorbell cameras. If you have any footage that you think we need to see, let us know through the appropriate channels.
“If you recognise them, or have information to assist our enquiries, please contact us on 101 quoting log 0399 of 18th April. or email 966@lancashire.police.uk“
Subscribe: Keep in touch directly with the latest headlines from Blog Preston, join our WhatsApp channel and subscribe for our twice-a-week email newsletter. Both free and direct to your phone and inbox.
Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines
