THE HOLY image of a Roman saint has been smashed by vandals in an attack described by a church clerk as “desecration”.

The vandalism of the stained glass Victorian windows has left St Mary’s Church, in Witney, with a big repair bill.

The head of St Alban, the patron saint of refugees, has been smashed in the attack and an image of a dragon fighting St George was also hit, see above insets.

Francis Newenham, clerk of works at the church, said: “It is a desecration of an ancient, sacred building.

“He is missing a head now. The whole head and neck has disappeared, which is rather sad.”

Pieces of glass were found about 20ft away on the other side of the church.

Mr Newenham said: “It was some considerable force. Whether it was a stone or an air rifle I do not know, but it was quite definitely deliberate.”

Fundraisers are already battling to restore the church after it was handed a £7,500 repair bill when thieves took £1,000 worth of lead from the roof over Christmas.

The roof had just undergone a £300,000 restoration in the first stage of a major £2m refurbishment.

All the stained glass windows in the church were built between 1870 and 1890, and the church now faces having to pay to set up guards to protect all of them.

Mr Newenham added: “It is considerable the cost of repair to even small holes in stained glass.”

Deputy church warden and town councillor James Mills said: “We think it has been done with an air rifle as it has fairly accurately taken out one of the saint’s faces. I feel sorry that these people do not have better things to do with their time.”

Police are investigating and anyone with information about Sunday’s attack should call them on 08458 505505 or anonymously on 0800 555111.