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.
Enquiries have established that there have been several incidents in the area and officers believe the damage may have occurred between 6pm and 10pm on Friday 30th October.
Officers are keen to hear from anyone who witnessed any suspicious behaviour around the church or war memorial during this time. They are also asking residents and motorists to review any CCTV, doorbell, dashcam or mobile phone footage that may assist the investigation.
Chief Inspector Joseph McNally, Warrington LPU, said: “The vandalism of a war memorial is particularly upsetting as these sites exist to honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.
“This type of behaviour is completely unacceptable and has a significant impact on those who use and support the church, as well as the wider community.
“Places of worship should be safe and welcoming environments, and we are committed to identifying those responsible for this incident.
“We believe the damage occurred during the evening hours and I would particularly urge anyone who was in the vicinity of St Alban’s Church between 6pm and 10pm over the weekend to come forward if they saw anything suspicious.
“We are especially keen to hear from anyone who may have CCTV, doorbell, dashcam or mobile phone footage from the area that could help identify those involved.
“We understand the concern incidents such as this can cause within the community, and we are working closely with local partners and church representatives as part of our investigation.”
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.
