The vicar of St John the Baptist Church in Fortuneswell on the Isle of Portland, Dorset, described the attack as "appalling" and "senseless".

The Reverend David Botterill said: "It was heartbreaking to see the statue lying on the ground with its head broken off."

Police in Weymouth are now appealing for anyone with any information about the attack to come forward.

'Despicable act'

Rev Botterill added: "I fear for the people who did this as they clearly have no respect for the community and ultimately themselves."

The damage was discovered on Thursday morning, 19 December, by church warden Ray McKenzie.

The vandals had attacked the statue of St Francis as well as writing on the church walls.

Pc Rhiannon Stroud, of Portland police, said: "This was a despicable act of vandalism.

"This has been a very upsetting incident for the parishioners and particularly for the friends of the man who only a few weeks ago had his ashes scattered around the foot of the statue."