A 42-year-old man has been detained under the Mental Health Act after a war memorial incorporating a statue of Jesus was vandalised at a Catholic church in Cheshire.

During the incident at St Alban's Church in Warrington, the statue was decapitated and anti-Catholic graffiti was daubed on its plaque.

Cheshire Police say the damage was discovered at 9.23am on 1 November by a member of the congregation. Enquiries established that there had been several incidents in the area and officers believe the damage may have occurred between 6pm and 10pm on 30th October.

Police had earlier published a CCTC image of a man they wanted to question in relation to the incident.

Chief Inspector Joseph McNally said: “We understand the concern this incident has caused within the community, and I hope that now we have identified the suspect through an extensive and fast-moving investigation, parishioners and residents will be somewhat reassured.”

Issuing an earlier appeal for information, McNally had said: “The vandalism of a war memorial is particularly upsetting as these sites exist to honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.

"This type of behaviour is completely unacceptable and has a significant impact on those who use and support the church, as well as the wider community”.