A 13-year-old has admitted to defecating in a pulpit and spreading the excrement over the stained glass windows at a church in Bicester.

The youth, from Bicester, has been interviewed by police and has admitted to carrying out the "disgusting" attack at St Edburg's Church, in Church Street.

Jon Payne, a youth and schools involvement officer with the police in Bicester, said: "The public were very upset when they read about this incident.

"By speaking to people in the town and the good policing of the officers in Bicester, it came to light who was responsible and subsequently the youth has admitted to the offence.

"This is stupidity that got out of hand and something we're not getting everyday."

The incident, which happened on Saturday, April 5, was immediately reported to the police.

Verger Colin Boyce, 68, had to clear up the mess and because of the incident, now has to lock and bolt the church doors and only open it when there was someone to guard it.

The Youth Justice Service in Banbury has yet to decide what cause of action needs to be taken against the youth.

A decision is expected to be made soon.