Police investigating after St James Church and over 40 graves defaced ahead of Good Friday

Graffiti on the church building. Credit: Paul Wharton-Hardman

Police are investigating after a church building and over 40 graves were defaced in Leyland.

The graffiti was discovered at St James Church on Slater Lane in the Moss Side area of Leyland on the morning of Good Friday (18 April).

The words ‘God is a Lie’ have been painted on the side of the church building and faces and penis shapes have been painted across grave stones – including one holding the resting place of an eighteen-month-old.

Cllr Paul Wharton-Hardman, who represents Farington East on South Ribble Borough Council, said: “Over 40 gravestones desecrated. The church building defaced. St James Church, Moss Side—vandalised with revolting, hate-filled graffiti. On Good Friday of all days.

“This wasn’t mindless. This was a deliberate attack on a place of faith, peace, and memory. Families buried their loved ones here. People come to mourn, to pray, to find hope. And this is what they’re greeted with?

Defaced graves at St James Church. Credit: Graffiti on the church building. Credit: Paul Wharton-Hardman

“I make no apology for the graphic images. People NEED to see this filth. How on earth can the church sort this today- and a wedding tomorrow?”

South Ribble Borough Council have attended the scene and are looking at bringing in specialist cleaning to resolve the matter.

Lancashire Constabulary confirmed to Blog Preston they are investigating 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.

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