Police in North Yorkshire are appealing for witnesses after a supposed arson attack on a church.

The cross was left scorched and burned after being set on fire by the vandals. 

The incident occurred at St Mary's Church in Riccall on Friday, the 24th of June. 

North Yorkshire Police is treating the incident as a hate crime, as the church and religious symbols "appear to be directly affected." 

The Grade I listed building was mentioned in the Domesday book; it's most treasured feature is a carved doorway dated 1160 AD. 

Additional patrols are being undertaken in the area following the attack. 

The force is appealing to anyone with any knowledge of the incident, or those that may have dash cam footage or CCTV images of the surrounding area at the time. 

Anyone that saw any suspicious activity on Church Street is being urged to call the force and speak to PC Fiona Wilding by dialling 101 and selecting option 2. 

Alternatively, email [email protected].

If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 08000 555 111 and quote the North Yorkshire Police reference number 12220109896.