Four weeks ago, thugs smashed the largest window of Eglwys-y-Groes in Maesgeirchen – and then returned last weekend to smash it again.

Church warden Pat Humphries said: “It’s not only bad, it’s heartbreaking – people are horrified and upset by what is going on, as they feel that something special is being desecrated. Another big concern is that a number of beer bottles are smashed. The hall is used by small children; we do clean up but we can’t check every blade of grass.”

Area deacon, Reverend Dr Sue Jones added: “We’re saddened by this, as we have worked hard to keep the building open and available to the community – lots of activities take place there, and one would hope that people would respect it.

Paul Hockaday, Communities First co-ordinator, pointed out that the incident was not the first of its type to hit the headlines recently; he said: “Obviously something like that can cause real distress, but we would stress that it is not a Maes G exclusive thing. We are working with our local police community support officer and crime prevention officer on the matter.”

North Wales Police crime reduction officer Gwyn Parry added: “We take any act of criminal damage seriously, and all the more so if it is perpetrated on a building of faith; this may be considered as a hate crime, depending on the circumstances – we will look at it and consider whether to raise the level of investigation accordingly.”

Anyone with any information can call 0845 6071001 (Welsh), 0845 6071002 (English), or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.