RACIST graffiti was sprayed over the walls of a Rickmansworth church last week, in the latest attack by vandals, who left more than £250 of damage in their wake.

The culprits are believed to have broken in through a window they smashed at Our Lady Help of Christians church in Park Road, Rickmansworth, sometime between 8.30pm on Friday, August 19 and 10am the following day.

They entered the kitchen and poured milk over the floor.

A glass door inside the church was smashed and the bookshop was vandalised, causing more than £250 of damage.

Racist graffit,i including National Front and BNP logos, was sprayed on the walls, as well as abusive anti-police slogans.

Inspector George Holland heads the community safety team in Three Rivers.

He said: "Some of the graffiti used was recognised and gives us an indication of who the culprits may be.

"Vandalism will not be tolerated and we will not hesitate to use robust action against the people undertaking these mindless acts.

"If anyone knows anything about who is responsible then I would urge them to contact the police.

"Often we know who the culprits are, but it is a case of gathering evidence in order to prosecute. That is where the local community can help.

"If residents work with the police we can catch the people responsible."

This is the second time in five months the church has been targeted by vandals. In April, five local churches, including the Church of Our Lady, were vandalised in one weekend, as well as Little Green Primary School in Croxley Green.

Anyone with information can telephone the crime unit on 01442 271615, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.