THERE are some people in our society who are, quite rightly, despised by all the rest of us trying to make our way in the world, people who live here but are no part of the community in any sense.

People like those who looted a fire-damaged church and helped themselves to what remained inside, including food used to help sustain the homeless.

The thieves also stole a variety of electrical equipment and a small amount of money – a further four-figure blow to a church that has already suffered considerably following last Thursday’s fire, which caused considerable damage.

At best, these people are greedy, opportunistic, unthinking and uncaring. At worst, they are the dregs of the earth who are lucky that the penalty for such looting in this country doesn’t involve the business end of a gun.

That this happened at Easter isn’t lost on the members of the church, who have confirmed their Christian beliefs by effectively turning the other cheek, pastor Maldwyn Holland saying they “bear no malice” towards the thieves.

But this isn’t about religion, and we are sure right-thinking people of all faiths will condemn the action of the looters and hope this group can bounce back from the setbacks.

They have already received offers of support from many sources, including another church nearby loaning them alternative premises for their Easter Sunday service.

We wish them well for the future.