VANDALS targeted a Newport church and empty units smashing windows and doors, causing more than £3,000 worth of damage.

Pastor Robbie Howells of Newport City Church said three windows at the church, on the top floor of the Cambrian Centre, were smashed, leaving glass littered inside.

The unit’s doors were also damaged, but thankfully the offenders were unable to get into the property as the windows were shuttered and the doors were chained on the inside.

Pastor Howells said another 12 windows were smashed at a nearby unit, which he said his church is in negotiations to turn into a youth centre.

It is not clear when the attack took place, but Pastor Howells believed it happened between Christmas Day and the early hours of yesterday.

It is hoped the church’s next service will take place as planned on New Year’s Day, but Pastor Howells said that is dependent on getting the windows and doors repaired before hand.

“We’re insured, but it’s not an expense we want at the moment,” he said.

Pastor Howells added: “We’ve done so much in the community over Christmas.

We’ve given money to Women’s Aid, on Christmas Eve we raised money for night shelters across Newport.

“It’s just shocking to see someone to do that without understanding what the church’s role is.” A Gwent Police spokeswoman said they received a report of criminal damage at a number of units in the Cambrian Centre, including the church, which is believed to have happened sometime between 9pm on December 24 and 7.30am on December 28.

Enquiries are ongoing.

Anyone with information should contact 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

EDITORIAL COMMENT: Sickening attack

NOT a week seems to go by without some report or other of vandal attacks on buildings in this area.

But the Christmas attack on Newport City Church is particularly senseless.

Not only does the church provide a place of worship for many people, it also plays a key role in supporting the more vulnerable members of society.

Pastor Robbie Howells is right when he says the attack is shocking given the work members of his church do to help others, especially over Christmas.

From giving money to Women’s Aid, to raising money for night shelters to help the homeless Newport City Church as with many others, plays a vital role in helping the less fortunate among us.

That the church should then come under attack from uncaring thugs is particularly galling.

We urge anyone who may have any knowledge of who carried out this attack, which caused more than £3,000-worth of damage, to pass that information on to the police.