A well loved parish church is currently closed after vandals tore up hymn and prayer books and poured water over them.

St Nicholas Church in New Romney has been subjected to a series of mindless acts in recent weeks, causing much upset among the congregation.

Now, the church warden says she has had no choice but to close the doors of the building, which was built in the 12th century, in a bid to prevent any future acts.

The crimes have also been reported to police, who have now launched an investigation.

The attack involving the books happened on Monday, June 17.

Church warden Ann Rolfe said: "Whoever did this tore up hymn and prayer books, and I mean tore up.

"They also opened some of the books and poured water over them. A flower arrangement was also destroyed.

"It’s extremely unnecessary.

"The sacristan who found it was very upset.”

St Nicholas has been closed ever since, except for its usual Sunday and mid week services.

Mrs Rolfe said: "The church is currently closed following the vandalism.

"This is very much an active church - usually open from 7am until dusk.

"We don't want to keep the church locked, we lose visitors and also money."

But this was not the first incident - on Sunday, May 26 two small fires were discovered which have left burn marks on the carpet.

Mrs Rolfe said: "Someone was locking up and smelt smoke so went in to investigate.

"They found the remains of two small fires - one in the children’s corner that left a mark.

I still haven’t managed to get that out of the carpet yet.

"And another just on the edge of the carpet near a table used for refreshments. This was actually quite close to the stand where the hymn books are kept, so it could have been much worse."

Following this attack in May, Mrs Rolfe shut the doors of the church for a week.

But on Wednesday, June 12, another act of vandalism was discovered.

'I feel very angry and sad that someone could come into a church and do this. It is sacrilege, it really is.' - Ann Rolfe, church warden

An oil candle, kept on the high alter, was interfered with.

"The inside reservoir was taken out and tipped into the urn used for making hot drinks," Mrs Rolfe explained.

"We didn't actually discover this until we had a funeral that day and went to light the candle and couldn't."

The candles at the church have been targeted by the vandals several times now - including the ones at the votive stand.

Mrs Rolfe said: "Someone took all the fresh candles, lit them all and then extinguished them. Meaning someone who wants to come in and light a candle can’t."

In another incident all the votive candles were melted together.

Mrs Rolfe said: "We’ve now has to remove the lighted candles."

She said: "I feel very angry and sad that someone could come into a church and do all this.

"It has saddened the congregation. It is sacrilege, it really is.

"We don't know who is doing it. It could be children but it could be grown ups. It's easy to speculate but we just don't know.

"I'm considering whether to open again next week but haven't made a decision yet."

New Romney mayor Paul Thomas said of the continued vandalism: "I’m at at complete loss to understand why our beautiful church has been targeted in this way. If anybody has any information that can help to identify the person or persons responsible for these acts of vandalism, would they please contact the Parochial church council."

Police are now investigating; a spokesman said: "Kent Police is investigating after a church in New Romney was targeted by vandals.

"A collection of books were damaged on two occasions at St Nicholas Church in Church Road. Once on Monday, June 17 between 2pm and 4pm and once on Sunday, May 26 between 1pm and 6.30pm when children’s colouring books were reportedly set alight.

"Enquiries remain ongoing at the church."

Anyone who witnessed anything suspicious or has information that could assist officers is asked to call Kent Police on 01843 222289 quoting reference 46/116669/19.

Alternatively you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers in Kent anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Read more: All the latest news from Romney Marsh