POLICE have reported the arrest of two teenagers after the latest attack on a local church.

They have been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage after a church was vandalised.

Only last week Basildon and Billericay Nub News reported on an earlier attack at the church.

A police statement says: "We received reports of two suspects forcing entry to St Margaret's Church in Bowers Gifford at about 1.10pm on Sunday, 24 November.

"Once inside the pair have reportedly caused more than £15,000 of damage to the building and its contents.

"Officers were at the scene within 15 minutes of the report, including a dog unit with PD Obi, and quickly arrested two boys, aged 15 and 16, on suspicion of criminal damage and burglary.

"Items believed to be stolen from the church were also located.

"The two teenagers were questioned and released on police bail while our enquiries continue."

Among the damge to the church, its organ was smashed.

Nikki Dilorenzo has been church warden for almost a year and a long-standing member of the congregation.

The 43-year-old said there were "tears, anger and frustration" at the discovery of a broken stained glass window, smashed vases and a broken lectern.

The worst part was finding the organ "just destroyed", she added.

"There was stonework thrown at it. The pipes have been removed. We've still not located those and the altar has just been vandalised," she said.

"Every footstep you make you're just walking on broken glass.

"It's just soul-destroying. To see this damage, it has ruined my faith, my faith in people, and children, and that's upsetting.

"We don't want to feel like this, we want to forgive them, but that will be difficult."

Adam Pipe, head of Roads Policing, said: "This kind of reckless offending requires this kind of swift response.

"Our officers continue to investigate this incident and anyone with additional information should contact us."

"You can let us know by submitting a report on our website where you can use our online Live Chat service available Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) between 10am-9pm.

"Visit https://www.essex.police.uk/digital101to find out more about our website reporting services. Alternatively, you can call us on 101.

"If you would like to make an anonymous report, you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers on Twitter at @CrimestoppersUK, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111.

 "Quote incident number 728 of Sunday 24 November with any information."