A Liverpool church has launched a fundraising appeal after vandals left one choir member injured and a historic stained glass window smashed.
The attack took place at St Mary the Virgin church in West Derby on 30th May, while the choir was rehearsing.
Merseyside Police said a group of youths were causing a disturbance outside the building just after 10 pm.
When a parishioner went outside to intervene, they were physically assaulted and suffered an injury to their ear, as reported by BBC News.
A 170-year-old stained glass window was also damaged in the incident.
Officers confirmed they are investigating the incident as both criminal damage and assault.
Rosemary Critchley, a member of the church council, said it was a shocking situation.
“Had the younger members of the choir been there as they normally are, it would have been a terrifying experience,” she explained.
She added: “Many members of the choir are in their 60s, 70s, even older, and it isn’t a very pleasant experience.”
Although insurance will cover part of the cost, the church has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help restore the window.