Community comes together to start cleaning of St James Church in Leyland after hate crime

Work starts at St James Church. Credit: Paul Wharton-Hardman:

A local councillor has spoken of his pride after a community came together to begin work to clean a defaced church.

Police confirmed yesterday (18 April) that they received reports of vandalism at St James Church on Slater Lane in Leyland and that they were treating the incident as a hate crime.

Sexually-explicit images, along with the words ‘god is a lie’, were sprayed across the church building and over 40 gravestones.

But today (19 April) the local community got together to start the clean-up process at the church.

Cllr Paul Wharton-Hardman, who represents Farington East at South Ribble Borough Council, said: “The community got together through fumes and tears, they helped restore dignity to every stone they touched. The work isn’t finished yet, but it’s well on the way.

“Thank you to the hundreds of people who messaged offering support- I wasn’t able to get back to you all individually as you can imagine.

“To everyone who came to clean, support, pray, or simply stand—thank you. You’ve reminded us what this community truly is: united, strong, and full of heart.”

Among those who turned up to help was Mike Hindle, who runs a window and exterior cleaning business and ultimately declined payment for his work.

Police continue to investigate the incident.

Det Sgt Lee Jamieson, of South CID, said: “This is a disgraceful act of vandalism which shows a complete lack of respect and which has left the church and its parishioners understandably extremely upset, especially given the time of year.

“We are taking this matter incredibly seriously and this is being treated as a hate crime. We do not tolerate hate of any form, and we will do everything in our power to identify the offenders and take the appropriate action.

“I would urge anyone in the community who has any information which could help us identify who has done this to come forward and speak to us.”

You can contact police on 101 quoting log 0399 of April 18th. Alternatively contact independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers.org.

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