AN attempt was made to break into a Ledbury church on New Year's Day.

The incident happened between 3pm and 6pm at St Michael and All Angels Church in Church Street.

The church was locked and when the Rector returned they found damage to doors where an attempted had been made to gain entry.

The outer church doors had a metal bar on the inside and this was forced open. A glazed internal door was then opened and then the solid wooden doors were attacked with a jemmy or similar leaving chips of wood on the floor.

But no entry was gained.

Men, aged 18 to 20-years-old, were seen hanging around the church. Patrols were increased in the area following the incident.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101, quoting 0094S.