SACRILEGIOUS vandals have destroyed a statue of Jesus outside a church.

Worshippers attending St Michael and all Angels Church, in Roding Road, Loughton, on Sunday morning, had a nasty shock when they discovered the work has been decapitated and its body caved in.

Vicar Rev Nina Coulthard said: “I can only assume on Saturday night some people out walking decided they wanted to smash something up.

“We know what it's like. Sometimes people don't realise what they're doing. They've had too much too drink, or they feel like being destructive, or they have something against the church.

“One of the arms was found down the road by the hairdressers, and the head still hasn't been found.”

The lifesize statue of Jesus had been constructed by local resident Sandra Jarvis, and had stood in the church gardens since last Autumn.

Rev Coulthard said: “The statue of Jesus depicted him as Christians believe him to be – risen, alive and reaching out to people in loving welcome.

"We have no idea who was responsible for destroying it or why. We are sad that someone would want to destroy another person’s labour of love.

“It's one of those things that happens. It happens to all sorts of premises. People get bricks through their window or damage to their grounds. It's just the times we are living in sadly.”