A Bradford clergyman has condemned the "malicious" acts of vandals who show lack of respect and vandalise church property.

The Reverend Tony Parry, pastor at New Church of God in Lidget Green, said his congregation no longer felt safe after attacks over the past 18 months.

He said: "We are constantly having our windows broken and on Thursday I was again been informed by a church member that six windows had been broken.

"They weren't the easiest windows to break because they are quite high and are reinforced, but still they managed it.

"It was obviously quite a determined effort to put the windows through and was quite malicious."

Mr Parry said repair work, costing £350, was carried out immediately because a wedding was scheduled for the next day.

He said: "Directly after the wedding another window was broken but this time it was in the Sunday school room.

"There was glass all over the floor and it could have been very dangerous if the children had gone in there."

Mr Parry said the church's insurance premium had increased by five times because of the incidents. He said: "We are a small congregation and can't afford to keep having our windows fixed."

Other incidents in the past 18 months include theft of important papers, wheelie bins and other property; the mugging of a female church member; and the cutting of the fuel line of a churchgoer's car. Mr Parry said: "Some of the local community must have seen some of this.

"We want to make people aware that this happening. It shows a gross lack of respect for the church."

Councillor John Godward (Lab, Great Horton) said: "I am very concerned about this and know there have been problems in Necropolis Road.

"I would urge the parents of youths living in the area to ensure that they know what their children are doing at all times."

A police spokesman said: "We have had increased patrols in the area. We understand the concerns of the complainant and we will seek those responsible."

Anyone with further information about the incidents is asked to contact police on (01274) 376192 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."