Twelve windows in the Church of Ireland Holy Trinity Church, Lisnaskea were broken by young vandals on Tuesday evening of last week whilst the church caretaker was strimming the grass in the adjoining graveyard.

After his attention was drawn to the sound of breaking glass, the caretaker went around to investigate and a gang of six youths, some as young as 13 years, running off. As they did so, they dropped an ornamental Bible they had lifted from one of the graves, breaking it too.

It has since been taken away by Police for forensic tests.

A PSNI spokesman confirmed that number of windows had been damaged.

"Police were alerted to the incident shortly before 8pm on Tuesday (17th) following a report that 12 windows were broken by a group of youths in the area. It is understood the group (6 in total) were approximately 13 years old.

Anyone who was in the area and could help identify the culprits is asked to contact police on 0845 600 8000 or 'Crimestoppers' on 0800 555 111'.

The Clogher Church of Ireland Bishop, Dr Michael Jackson led condemnations of the incident: "I would express my concern to the parishioners of Lisnaskea in this particularly disturbing circumstance. And, I would sincerely hope that this would not impair good relations in Lisnaskea".

It is the second spate of window-breaking within a matter of weeks. The windows in question are of the clear, diamond-shape variety which, according to a church spokesperson, are difficult to get and expensive.

She confirmed that the Police were alerted by the church caretaker: "He was working with a strimmer at one end of the graveyard and was wearing protective gear. He took them off to get petrol and he heard a commotion.

"He went round and, by that stage, the youths were getting away over a wall. They had also lifted an ornamental Bible. They had it in their hands and, when they saw the caretaker, they dropped it and it smashed.

"It is very frustrating. Dreadful. Especially coming so soon after the first incident which happened in the run-up to Easter. Apart from the cost of replacing them, it is very disturbing to think that young people would do this, especially when there's someone in the graveyard at the time".

However, the spokesperson said she did not think the vandalism had any significant support: "I think this is one small element. It does not reflect the wider community".