Thousands of pounds worth of damage has been caused to leaded church windows in North Wiltshire.

The first incident happened between August 1and September 20 at St Giles’ Church, Alderton.

The second occurred between 9pm and 9.30pm on ctober 28 at Holy Cross, Sherston.

And police say the church at St Mary’s, Luckington has been targeted on two separate occasions. The first happened between October 29 and November 6, and the second between November 18 and 21 .

Damage has been caused to the leaded windows and it is expected to cost the churches thousands of pounds to properly repair.

Rural Crime Officer Juliet Evans said: “These crimes have all taken place in picturesque rural villages, and although nothing has been taken, this is mindless vandalism with no respect for religious and historic buildings.

“The damage is expected to cost the churches thousands of pounds. If you know who may be responsible for the damage then please call us."