VANDALS have caused damage estimated at thousands of pounds to a stained-glass window at St Anselm's RC Church in Beacon Hill.
In the five-feet circular window above the altar, 22 sections have either been smashed or damaged by stones and pieces of brick thrown at it in broad daylight on Saturday.
It was discovered at 8 pm by Father David Osborne, who lives in the nearby presbytery.
Speaking to The Herald this week for St Anselm's, Wing Commander Neil Nugent said that the incident was "serious and very sad".
The window is believed to be more than 40 years old and was installed soon after the church was built in the 1950s.
It was designed by well-known parishioner and sculptor and former president of the Royal Society of British Sculptors, Michael Clark, who died 12 years ago.
Neil Nugent described the damage as "a bitter blow to the parish" and hoped it could be repaired.
"When I arrived at the church there was glass and bricks everywhere," he added.
Thanks to the efforts of parishioners, the mess was cleared up in time for Sunday services.
The same culprits are also believed to be responsible for £40 worth of damage to a plastic bench in the church grounds.
Both incidents are thought to have taken place between 11 am and 8 pm on May 25.
p Anyone who saw anything suspicious is asked contact Surrey police on 01252 716262.