A man has been arrested today in connection with three incidents of criminal damage caused to St Mary’s Church in Hitchin, and St Paul’s in Letchworth on Tuesday.

The 38-year-old man from Letchworth was also arrested in connection with further incidents of criminal damage on the same day where black paint was smeared around a number of locations in Letchworth including the town centre, Gernon Road and Broadway.

A stained glass memorial to the fallen of the First World War was badly damaged at St Mary’s, while a separate panel portraying Jesus Christ was also smashed.

In total, more than £10,000 worth of damage was caused to window panels.

St Paul’s Church in Pixmore Way, Letchworth, was also targeted just after 12 noon on the same day.

The man remains in police custody for questioning.