This divine commandment may be a new addition to the biblical ten rules, but according to the vicar of St Michael's Church in Braintree it is definitely not a sign from God.

Church leaders were at first dumbfounded about who could have bolted the sign, which reads Thou Shalt Not Park Here, to the church wall in St Michael's Lane.

The Rev Charles Mason, vicar of St Michael's, said: "One or two people at the church noticed it had been put up.

"Because of the way it has been worded it looks as though it has come from us, but I can assure you it didn't."

Mr Mason has got to the bottom of the prank, found the culprit and had a quiet word, but he declined to name names.

Mr Mason said: "He said that it was only intended as a joke and was going to take it down anyway."

Not a sign from God - Gazette reporter Neil Jones with the notice outside the church.

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