Kemp Town community shaken as church trashed

St George’s in Kemp Town, Brighton, was ransacked by the raiders who smashed a cash register on the floor and jemmied open locked drawers.

The church's cafe was also damaged during the incident in the early hours of yesterday morning, which is being investigated by police. 

The church's vicar, Father Andrew Manson-Brailsford, said he was in disbelief over the “heartless” behaviour.

The cash draw as it was found on Thursday morning

“It almost makes you want to give up,” he said.

“Of course, you can’t give up, you’ve got to go on because you’ve got to do the work and make sure people are looked after.

“It’s depressing, given we do so much good work and people still want to pick on others.”

A smashed window next to the door's combination lock

The damage forced the cancellation of vital community events yesterday.

Speak Out, a group for young adults with learning difficulties, was unable to use the church as it had planned.

“My suspicion is that they knew where they wanted to go and what they wanted,” said Fr Andrew.

“They went through various cupboard and our display case.

“The upshot of it is that they’ve done a lot of damage but not actually got away with very much.”

The display case

Photographs show a filing cabinet flung open, wardrobes rummaged through and kitchen cabinets targeted.

But thankfully the church’s silver cross, which is stored in a display cabinet, was not taken – despite the unit also being forced open.

While Fr Andrew said that he found “three or four bags full” of items that had been “dumped” by the door. 

He believes that whoever broke in was disturbed and fled the scene.

And since posting about the incidents on Facebook, the church has received a huge amount of support, which Fr Andrew said is very moving.

In a Facebook message, one well-wisher said: “All you can do is soldier on.

The cash register was found on the floor

“Sadly, there will be more and more people needing your help as time goes by. There is lots of goodwill out there.”

Those who would like to support St George’s church should contact the parish office.

Sussex Police are investigating the incident and is urging witnesses or people with information to contact them quoting 454 of 11/08.