Victorian-era stained glass window smashed during break-in at church in Chorley

The destroyed window at St Lawrence’s Church in Union Street had depicted an image of Christ as the light of the world.

It was discovered by members of Chorley Silver Band who had come to a rehearsal at the Anglican parish church in the morning on Saturday, May 6.

“In a little alcove in the church there’s a small stained glass window,” said church warden Rob Kelly.

“He broke it and climbed in from the outside.

“He then went across to the admin office after breaking the bottom reinforced glass and climbed in and ransacked the office. There were lots of pennies, 2p and 5p pieces thrown all over the office.

“What he was looking for was money.

“He got away with about £25-£30. He is known to us.

“He should have broken through an ordinary glass window.”

A spokesman for police, who are investigating the break in, said: “An offender used an unknown object to smash a small stained glass window between 5pm on Friday, May 5 and the following morning - so overnight.

“They gained entry by climbing through the window and stole £25 worth of cash before making off. Enquiries are ongoing.

“There have been no arrests at this point.”

Rob also told the Guardian that the church was broken into previously. We were done about three years ago,” said Rob.

“It wasn’t a stained glass window that time.

“We had bars put up and we hadn’t had any problem since then.“

Rob is waiting on two quotes to replace the window.

The break in took place between Friday night on May 5 and Saturday morning on May 6.