Historic abbey remains vandalised

Officers said it appeared the historic perimeter wall had been kicked down

The remains of an historic abbey in Worcestershire have been vandalised and some of the stonework covered with "offensive" graffiti.

Officers said the Bordesley Abbey ruins at Forge Mill, Redditch, were attacked sometime between Sunday and Tuesday.

A perimeter wall appeared to have been kicked down and graffiti was written in chalk on stones.

The repair costs have been estimated at £10,000. Police have urged anyone with information to contact them.

West Mercia Police said it had increased officer patrols in the area and said it was speaking to local community groups and residents for information.

The ruins are in the grounds of the Forge Mill Needle museum, which shows how needles were made and polished in Victorian times.

Pc Fergus Green said: "This is a completely senseless act and is going to cost the Forge Mill Needle Museum a lot of money to repair."

He added: "Someone must know who is responsible, and we hope they will examine their conscience and come forward with information."