Ungodly mess left following Kelso church break-in

Reverend Canon Bob King at St Andrew's Scottish Episcopal Church in Kelso.

However, the discovery of some blood at the scene is being sent for DNA testing, and it’s hoped that this will help track down those involved.

A computer tower unit was also stolen in the raid, and church officials have been left with an ungodly mess to clean up.

Reverend Canon Bob King said: “ A lot of mess was created but apart from two smashed windows, the vestry door and the handle of the west end door, there has not been a lot of substantial damage, for which we are very grateful.

“We were there all day with police and later forensics, whose response was fantastic and their attention to detail, and care for us, was superb.

"I do not believe for a minute that this was an attack in any way on us or Christianity as a whole.

"It seems to be something that just maybe got out of control after an instant decision.

“The police have taken a lot of blood samples for DNA testing and we hope that this will lead to the perpetrators being apprehended.“A small group is going to meet today to start the clean-up.

"We do not need a lot there as it will become chaotic, but if we do need more help we will ask.

"The main mess is in the office and vestry, but there has been a lot of disruption in the church, with lots of articles being thrown around or tipped over.

A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: “Officers in the Scottish Borders are appealing for witnesses following a housebreaking in Kelso.

“The incident occurred between 3pm on Tuesday, May 25 and 9.15am on Wednesday, May 26, at St Andrews Episcopal Church, Belmont Place, Abbey Court, Kelso.

"A computer tower unit has been stolen.

“Anybody in the area at the time, who may have seen or heard anything suspicious is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0739 of 26/05/2021.

"Alternatively please contact crime stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."

On the blood found in the church, the spokesperson said: “Blood was found at the scene and forms part of ongoing enquiries, however, no injuries have been reported to police.”