A church in Derbyshire is reeling after an attack on the church grounds resulted in a stained-glass window being damaged. Police are investigating after holes were discovered in the windows at both Staveley Methodist Church in Chesterfield Road and St John the Baptist Church in Church Street.

Investigators believe that a gun of sorts may have been used to inflict the damage, with a spokesperson for Derbyshire Constabulary noting that the holes "appear to have been made by small plastic pellets". 

In response to the incident, Rev Richard Harris of Staveley Methodist Church told the Derbyshire Times: “This is like an attack on the whole community – the church is used by many people.

“It’s an act of mindless vandalism and I think the most worrying thing about it all is that it appears some sort of weapon was used.

“If somebody had been inside the church at the time and was hit by an object, it could have been life-threatening.

"I hope whoever is responsible is found and brought to justice soon." 

Local councillor Mick Bagshaw added: “There are a number of crime concerns in the area.

“I’d like to see a joint surgery which people can attend to raise concerns with police and councillors and find out what’s going to be done.

“I’d also like to see Staveley police station reopen to the public – we need a more visible police presence.”