A FIFTH window was smashed and a small fire started at a Barnsley church this week.

Fr Stephen Race said he was concerned by numerous attacks on St Mary’s Church in the town centre.

Some time on Monday night, at least four rocks were thrown through the toughened glass of the window in the church office. It left a hole in the window, which was left marked and littered with ashes where it appeared someone had tried to light a fire in the opening - thankfully it did not take hold.

“This is the firth broken window we’ve had since I came here in September 2014,” said Fr Stephen.

“This has been broken twice before, and last year we had a stained glass window broken twice.”

Thankfully the office window won’t be as costly to repair as the stained glass.

“We are hoping the police will be able to obtain DNA evidence and catch whoever has done this,” he said.

“We’re really glad it wasn’t a stained glass window this time.”

A spokesman for South Yorkshire Police said: “Sometime between 4.30pm on Monday and 8.30am on Tuesday, it was reported the office window at St Mary’s church, Barnsley, had been broken.

“Entry was not gained to the church and nothing was taken.

“Anyone with information is asked to report it via 101 quoting investigation number 14/86736/18.”