Two churches in Lyminge have suffered damage to their windows after suspected burglars trashed their grounds.

Both incidents took place on Sunday evening, and police are treating the two as linked.

It was reported that between 4.30pm and 5.30pm, a burglary took place at the Lyminge Parish Church of St Mary and St Ethelburga in Church Road where five windows were broken.

During the raid, items including church wardens’ staffs and bottles of alter wine were reportedly taken.

They were later found nearby but damaged and a fire extinguisher was also set off inside a room.

Officers are working to identify two people who were seen leaving the church grounds at the time of incident.

They were both described as white young men, aged between 15 and 25 years old, with a slim build, dark hair and dark clothes and spoke with south English accents.

Information can be reported by quoting 46/3907/17.

Between 4pm and 6.06pm on the same day, damage was caused to the front door of Lyminge Methodist Church in the same road.

Three of its side windows were also broken as well as a further 11 panels of lead-lined glass.

Within the grounds the plant pots, bins and water butts had been tipped over.

Any information can be reported by quoting 46/3929/19.

Police are now speaking to local churches to provide reassurance and security advice.

People with information regarding either of the reports, or if they witnessed anything suspicious in the area at the time, are asked to call Kent Police on 01843 222289 quoting the relevant reference number.

Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers in Kent anonymously on 0800 555111.