VANDALS have left a trail of destruction at a Bournemouth church, smashing almost 30 windows and ripping up the front steps of the place of worship in the past six months alone.

During the latest attack at East Howe United Reformed Church in Kinson Road on Monday night, around 15 flagstones were smashed and hurled over a wall into the grounds.

Police are hunting those responsible and appealing for witnesses to help track down the culprits.

Church leader Tom Southward told the Daily Echo that the incident, which caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage, was just the latest in a long line of vandalism attacks in recent years.

He said: "It's gradually got worse. In the past windows have been broken; some are still boarded up, but this time they have ripped up the flagstones and thrown them into bushes. It must have taken some force because they are solid concrete and about half a metre square.

"When I discovered what had happened I was annoyed because it was just wanton vandalism. It's sad because the steps have been there since 1956."

Police hope that passing motorists might hold the clues to tracking down those responsible.

A nearby resident raised the alarm but, despite house-to-house enquiries, the culprits have still not been traced.

Witnesses and anyone who can help with the investigation should contact acting sergeant Andrew Bell at Winton police station on 01202 222222 or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555111.