St John's Church in Seaham attacked by 'rampaging teens'

Father Paul Kennedy has been left outraged after a group of teenagers launched a verbal attack, which developed into violence - with a glass bottle missing his head "by mere inches". 

As worshippers at St John's in Seaham left the church last Sunday evening, they were set upon by around six teenagers, who launched verbal abuse, and later, projectiles, at the group. 

This has left Fr Kennedy feeling "annoyed and disappointed" and fearing that attacks like this could drive people away from attending church. 

Read more: St John's Church in Darlington to close after 172 years of worship

Fr Kennedy explained: "There aren't many churches left that do evening services, but we have persevered where others haven't. However, this has been a very scary experience for people, and I am concerned that events like this could scare people off.

"Occasionally we do get youths who go on a rampage, but it has been months since we have last had any trouble, and nothing has ever been as bad as this. 

"It is always very sad when it happens. I have wanted to get some funding for a youth worker for some time. The church has always tried to stand up for the local community - and both the council and police are doing the best that they can."

"Seaham is a lovely place but it only takes a few people to bring a place down. It cannot become acceptable to behave that way. They had a complete absence of understanding of right and wrong." 

Grahame Morris MP said: “The attack on Father Kennedy and the parishioners of St John’s Church is an outrage, and there is no excuse for such reprehensible criminal behaviour. I have been in contact with Seaham Neighbourhood Police team and have been informed that arrests have been made and investigations are ongoing in relation to the incident. 

The Neighbourhood Policing Team have also issued a number of Community Protection Warning Notices to ASB perpetrators in the area and are working closely with partners including Durham County Council ASB Team as well as the local schools in identifying youngsters who cause problems of ASB.    

Working closely with the Community Safety Team of Durham County Council and with funding from Local Councillors, the Neighbourhood Policing Team have been instrumental in the installation of CCTV in Church Street and the surrounding area to help with the identification of those responsible for crime and ASB.  Additionally, I have been informed that high visibility patrols are being increased to reassure the community as well as the provision of reassurance visits to local residents who have been affected and who have reported issues. 

I will continue to work with the Police, Durham County Council, and Local Councillors as we seek ways to deter and prevent crime and anti-social behaviour in our communities.” 

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