POLICE are reviewing CCTV footage and carrying out forensic enquiries after a historic war memorial at St Alban’s Church in Warrington was damaged in an overnight vandalism attack.
The vandalism to the monument in the grounds of the church on Bewsey Street, Bewsey and Whitecross, as reported by Warrington Worldwide last night (Sunday) was discovered at 9.23am on Sunday, November 1, by a member of the congregation.
The memorial, which honours the war dead and features numerous named tributes, was left severely damaged and smeared with offensive spray-painted graffiti in an attack believed to have taken place overnight on Halloween.
The incident has caused particular dismay within the church community, coming just days before Remembrance Sunday, when people across Warrington will gather to honour those who lost their lives in conflict.
Chief Inspector Joe McNally said police understood the strength of feeling surrounding the damage and were working to identify those responsible.
He said: “I understand people will be upset by this, and we are doing all we can to find those responsible. We are making numerous enquiries including reviewing CCTV and forensic analysis of the scene.
“I’d urge anyone who has any information or saw any suspicious activity to contact police.”
Church community urged to stick together
The monument holds particular significance for St Alban’s congregation, with graves and tributes commemorating members of the church community who served during the First and Second World Wars.
Speaking to parishioners attending Sunday morning Mass, parish priest Canon Christopher urged the community to remain united, calling on people to “stick together” and maintain strength in their faith.
Founded in 1772, St Alban’s is Warrington’s oldest existing Catholic parish and holds Grade II listed status, reflecting its historic importance to the town’s religious heritage.
The church’s architectural history includes part of its sanctuary, designed in 1893 by Peter Paul Pugin, son of Augustus Pugin, who is renowned for his work on the Palace of Westminster.
The attack has left parishioners facing the prospect of damage to a monument closely associated with remembrance, faith and the sacrifices made by previous generations.
Cheshire Police are urging anyone who witnessed suspicious activity in the area or has information that could assist the investigation to come forward.
Anyone with information should contact Cheshire Police on 101 or report it via the force’s website, quoting incident reference IML 2449856.
Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
With Remembrance Sunday approaching, the investigation comes at a particularly sensitive time for the church and the wider Warrington community.
