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.