Nativity decorations were ripped apart at All Saints Church in Ipswich. The festive scene was destroyed four days after it went up in Chevallier Street.
The mischief follows a similar act of vandalism four years ago. The Rev Danny Morrison, vicar of All Saints Church in Ipswich, parts of which date back to the 13th century, said the congregation was ‘distraught and saddened’ at the wanton vandalism.
The incident follows a similar attack in December, 2018, when CCTV footage was issued of a smirking man decapitating Joseph in a savage night-time attack on the nativity display. People were outraged as news began spreading of the latest attack which saw this year’s nativity scene utterly ruined.
Jane Cornish, a leader at the church, said ‘It took a long time to put up the figures and make the display look nice, and we feel is something that is appreciated around here.
‘It was so sad when we arrived in the morning to see it in bits on the ground.
‘We have got other ready-made figures which we use inside but they are not as sturdy, and to fix the figures would take a long time because they really are in little bits.’
Ipswich borough councillor Carole Jones, who represents Westgate Ward where the church is situated, said ‘I’m really disappointed and saddened.
‘It’s hard to understand such mindless vandalism, especially as this is meant to remind people of Christmas.
‘It is a gift to the neighbourhood as well, when people pass it and see it, it cheers them up.’
Fellow ward councillor Colin Kreidewolf said ‘The church puts up a display every year and it is lovely, so it is distressing and concerning to see that people feel it is okay to vandalise.’
