DISGRACEFUL thieves took a hammer to a church money box before ripping it from the wall.

Volunteers who look after St Martin’s Church, in West Stockwell Street, Colchester, found rubble covering the floor and the box missing when they went to lock up on Wednesday at 4pm.

Anne Dew, who looks after the church with her husband, Bodo, for the Church Conservation Trust, has had to close it until the box has been replaced.

She said: “It’s disgraceful.

“We are the only church in Colchester to make a point of keeping it open every day and it’s all done by volunteers.

“Previously we have had the Bible stolen and some break-ins in the kitchen but never this.

“There was a huge amount of rubble on the floor and the whole box has been taken out. They’ve taken a hammer and chisel to the plaster and stone.

“Luckily it was emptied recently so we estimate there was only £50 in there but that money goes into maintaining the church.”

St Martin’s Church is a mainly medieval structure which was built in the 14th century but there is evidence of work from the 11th century. Roman bricks were used in its construction.

St Martin’s Church started opening to the public six years ago after the Church Conservation Trust recommended it.

It is not manned all the time, with people free to come and go as they wish.

Mrs Dew said: “We have people come from all over to see the church and sign the visitor’s book and groups use the church.

“It’s an ancient building. We have some lovely people who support the church too.

“We have just been given a beautiful carved chair for the church and then this happens.

“It is such a shame we will now have to keep it closed for the time being.

“You have to not lose your faith in people but sometimes you do end up thinking ‘Why do we bother’.

“It’s a horrible shock to have something like this thrown in your face.”

The incident happened sometime on Wednesday afternoon.

Anyone with information is asked to call Essex Police on 101.