PARISHIONERS have said they just want to know the mentality of vandals who broke into their church twice in the past month, started fires and damaged property.

Members of St Mary's C of E Church in Barton who have had to deal with the trail of destruction say they just want to know 'what they got out of it'.

In the latest break-in on Monday afternoon, burglars smashed in the side door of the church in Bayswater Road, made small fires and set off a fire extinguisher throughout the building as well as damaging books and candles.

Rev Eric Bossward, who has not even completed his first year as vicar of St Mary's, said the church would like to meet the vandals to ask them 'why?'

He said: "We would love to know what it is that makes them want to pick and damage a church and whether they realise the upset it causes people.

"I said to the police I was just want to have a conversation with them and ask what it's all about and why do it.

"We certainly don't hold anything against them, it's not what we do as a church. I think it's just kids being stupid.

"We just want to know why: we would love to give the opportunity to make reparation – rather than break things in the church, come and help us."

It is believed the same group of vandals broke into the church on both occasions.

Rev Bossward said one member of the church told him they were 'frightened' by the burglaries.

He said he had asked the police if they could talk to the offenders and create a positive outcome, rather than just go through criminal proceedings.

The church currently has 45 members on its electorate and between 30 and 50 attend a service every Sunday.

The Reverend said despite the burglaries, he and his family had been enjoying life in Barton.

He added: "I'm absolutely loving it.

"The community has been really welcoming and we are really enjoying it and see it as a long-term commitment.

"The break-ins just took the edge off a little bit in comparison with the good stuff that has happened. It's a minor blip - it just hacks you off."

Barton Community Association secretary Sue Holden said: "I'm just so cross about it.

"I do not understand the mentality of people that do that – there is no personal gain for them. It's just destruction they create and it's the aftermath of it all.

"Why would you go to to place of worship and cause destruction like that?"

Thames Valley Police said if anyone has information which could help with their investigation, they should them 101 and speak to Oxford CID.