Police issue images of church attack suspect

Detectives investigating the vandalism of a church and its graveyard have issued footage of a man they want to speak to about the attack and other linked incidents.

Lancashire Police revealed on Friday that sexually graphic images and expletives were sprayed at St James Church and on graves in Slater Lane, Leyland, on Good Friday.

The force said it had received further reports of damage across Slater Lane over the Easter weekend.

South Ribble Police posted on Facebook: "We would like to speak with the person in the footage in connection with the incidents. We know that this footage isn't of the highest quality, but are hoping that someone will recognise them."

Police said they were treating the vandalism "incredibly seriously" and regarded what happened as "a hate crime".

The post added: "Understandably, this has caused a great amount of upset to the parishioners and the wider community, and we would encourage anyone who has information or footage to come forward and speak to us."

People living near the church in Leyland, near Preston, have been asked to check any CCTV or doorbell camera footage.

The Archbishop of York described the vandalism as a "desecration".

"God is a lie" was scrawled on the church's exterior and obscene graffiti was daubed on about 40 gravestones.