VANDALS have struck at an ancient building in the heart of York and graffitied the city walls.

At some point over the weekend the entire ancient wooden front door on St Olave's church in Marygate has been daubed with elaborate bright red graffiti symbols.

Rev Liz Hassall, priest-in-charge of York city centre churches, said the police have been informed.

She said: "There are similar designs on other locations in the city centre and we're just waiting for the police before it can be cleaned off."

A similar design has also been sprayed under the arch of Scarborough railway bridge on the Marygate side of the river.

St Olave's is a listed building believed to have initially been built in the 1080s. It was largely rebuilt in the 15th century and again in the 18th.

This is not the first time it's been hit by vandals the roof was damaged when lead thieves struck twice in 2011, and rain soon after the second theft allowed water to damage the chancel and walls.

Meanwhile York woman Julia Pattison said on Twitter she's spotted similar symbols on the historic Bar Walls this morning.

 

Cllr Darryl Smalley, executive member for culture, leisure and communities at City of York Council, said on Twitter: “Like many others, I’ve reported this to the council.

“I’ll make enquiries as to whether a criminal investigation would be appropriate – agree 100% its unacceptable vandalism.”

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said: “Members of the public are quite rightly shocked by these instances of vandalism. I would urge anyone who has any information to contact us.

"Anyone with information should contact North Yorkshire Police on 101 select option 2 and ask for PC 291 John Armstrong, alternatively you can email john.armstrong@northyorkshire.police.uk

"If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

"Please quote 12220035431 number when sharing information."