Vandals have ransacked a 13th Century church causing damage which will run into tens of thousands of pounds.
St Margaret's church in Leicester city centre was broken into on Sunday evening, police believe.
All three altars were turned over and a heavy brass lectern was torn from its base and hurled through a plate glass floor panel.
It is believed the vandals broke in by climbing up and smashing through a window.
Police officers have been carrying out forensic examinations at the church, which is one of the biggest in Leicester.
"It was absolutely disgusting and an act of sacrilege and desecration to a house of worship"
The newly-restored organ was also targeted by the vandals. They also defecated through a floor panel which displays the church's medieval foundations.
Canon Barry Naylor said the incident has appalled him.
"I was absolutely horrified and felt speechless by it. It was absolutely disgusting and an act of sacrilege and desecration to a house of worship.
"And to try and understand what's going through anyone's mind when they come in...they wrecked altars, they wrecked the lectern, they defecate in the church...I mean it really is disgusting."
Nothing was stolen in the attack and the money in the collection chest was left untouched.
Canon Naylor said services will be held as usual but said it will be many months before the church is fully restored.
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