TEENAGERS are being blamed for between £5,000 and £10,000 worth of damage caused to a church.

Between 5.15pm and 5.45pm on Sunday, five Lancet-style stained glass windows were broken at St Cuthberts Church, in Ormesby, Middlesbrough.

Five youths were seen running away from the church into Dew Lane and police believe they may be responsible for the vandalism.

Robert Brown, vicar at the church, said: "It seems the kids just wanted to carry out the acts of vandalism.

"They could have got easy access into the church if they wanted to steal anything, but they have not done that.

"The windows that have been smashed; one was late Victorian and the other was 50-years-old.

"It is very upsetting when something like this happens.

"There is just no need for it."

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Eric Simpson on (01642) 301926.