Northampton church broken into and has over 100-year-old stained glass window smashed

St Peter's Church in Marefair was broken into and had one of its historic stained glass windows smashed by perpetrators.

Father Oliver Coss, rector of All Saints' Church in Northampton, tweeted on Saturday (February 6) saying: "I have received the very distressing news that there has been a break-in at St Peter's Church. You can see the appalling damage to the west window here. Thanks for a prompt response from Northants Police."

One person asked on Twitter what the point was in breaking into the church. Father Coss replied: "None whatsoever. It's very dispiriting for the friends of St Peter's, who've done such a splendid job through 2020."

And in response to another person, Father Coss said he hopes there can be a restorative justice outcome. He said: "So often we've asked Northants Police for a restorative justice outcome, but it has sadly never arisen. Instead, we have three criminal records added to over the past three years."

Jean Hawkins, chairperson of the friends of St Peter's Church, described her displeasure about the incident.

She said: "What was upsetting to us was the damage and destruction to a lovely stained glass window.

"We are angry and upset that not only was there a mindless vandal, but they made such a horrible mess of such a lovely window - it's mindless.

"It's quite a pity the vandals didn't come to us and ask for help from us, instead destroying something that is beautiful and means a lot to local people. Whatever those people needed, they just had to ask and it could have been provided."

Jean said she had 'no idea' how much the window will cost to replace, but she did say it should be possible to fix it.

Northamptonshire Police said the incident, which was reported to them by a member of public, happened between January 14 and February 6.

Officers said there had been an untidy search conducted by the offender/s.

The window is believe to be first designed in the 19th century. It commemorates a churchwarden who died in 1890.

A police spokeswoman said: "At this time, it is not believed anything has been taken from inside, however, the church is used by a few different community groups.

"Witnesses or anyone with information should call us on 101. Incident number: 21000075795."

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