'Cleansing' after church attack

Two youths have been arrested on suspicion of the attack at the church

A special service of "cleansing and rededication" is to be held at a Powys church after it was vandalised on Easter Sunday.

An altar cross was used during the attack to tear a picture of the Virgin Mary and Jesus at St Michael's and All Angels in Clyro, near Hay-on-Wye.

Police said two male youths had been arrested on suspicion of causing the damage and were currently on bail.

Vicar, Reverend Heather Baker, said the service would be held on Monday.

Rev Baker said items at the church had been smeared in excrement and two fire extinguishers were set off during the attack, just hours after the traditional Easter Sunday service.

"Given the unpleasant nature of the attack, we thought it was appropriate to hold a special service of cleansing and rededication," said Rev Baker.

Criminal damage

She explained the church was normally unlocked during the day because of its connection with Reverend Francis Kilvert, the diarist, who was curate there between 1865 and 1872.

But for the time being she said the church would be locked 24 hours a day.

Dyfed-Powys Police said they received a report of criminal damage at the church last Sunday at about 1520 GMT.

A spokeswoman said two male juveniles had been arrested and they were currently on bail pending further inquiries.