A disappointed reverend says he feels "desperately sad" for yobs who scrawled a swastika and 'Hail Hitler' graffiti on a door of his church.

Stones were also hurled through windows of All Saints Church in Lydd on Romney Marsh during the disturbing act of vandalism.

Now Reverend Jack Greenhalf says he faces "wasting time and resources" following the incident, which has sparked outrage among residents in the village.

The damage is believed to have been caused between 8.30pm and 9.15pm on Saturday, and left broken glass in the children’s chapel.

Rev Greenhalf, who was appointed team vicar for Romney Marsh last year, said the misspelled Nazi graffiti was swiftly removed by volunteers, and the broken glass was cleared to make the area safe.

However, the church now faces the costly task of replacing the damaged windows, which require specialist attention.

“I feel desperately sad for anyone who has been drawn into such a hateful world view,” Rev Greenhalf said.

“I would like to understand how their life has ended up this way.

“Fascism is rooted in hatred, hatred arises from anger, and anger comes from fear.

“Come and talk, and we can face your fears together.”

Rev Greenhalf, 38, previously worked for Sussex Police from 2005 to 2019.

He said it is not yet known how much the repairs will cost the church, which is one of the most historic in the country.

At 199ft, it is the longest parish church in Kent and has one of the tallest towers.

It is also thought to be the second oldest parish church in the UK, dating back to about 460 AD.

In recent years, substantial work has gone into preserving the building, with £184,000 spent on re-roofing in 2016, and further repairs funded in 2017 and 2018.

“The windows will need a specialist glazier to repair,” Rev Greenhalf added.

“I do not know what the cost will be, but we cannot leave it as the building is now vulnerable to the weather.

“The damage wastes time and resources, which we would rather be able to spend in supporting the community.”

PC Steve Putland is leading the police investigation and appealed to residents for help on the My Community Voice neighbourhood voice website.

Writing on Saturday, he said: “As soon as I found out about it, I went straight to the church, where I fortunately found Rev Greenhalf and some church members who had all the information I needed to get the investigation moving quickly.”

PC Putland said the door and windows affected are on the New Street side of the building.

He also noted Rev Greenhalf’s willingness to speak with those responsible, adding how that could help resolve the matter without the need for further police action, depending on the circumstances.

He is urging anyone with CCTV footage or information to get in touch via 13183@kent.police.uk.

A police spokesman added: “Police is investigating a report of criminal damage caused to a church in Lydd.

“It was reported that between 4.30pm on May 10 and 8.30am the following morning, three windows were broken and offensive graffiti was daubed in chalk on a door.

“Anyone with information regarding the damage should contact Kent Police on 01843 222289 quoting 46/78669/25.”