Vandals have decapitated a statue of Jesus at a war memorial outside a church.

In a video on Facebook, the Rev Canon Christopher Cunningham described the act of vandalism, which happened at St Alban’s Church in Warrington, Cheshire, as “evil”.

Cheshire Constabulary said it was investigating the incident as a hate crime.

Images show the statue of Jesus on the cross without a head and with what appears to be green and black paint daubed across his body.

The statue is at the top of the church’s memorial to those who died in both world wars. Rev Cunningham added that offensive graffiti written across it had been removed on Sunday.

The force believes the incident happened between 6pm and 10pm on Friday, and have issued a CCTV image of someone they would like to speak to about the incident.

Rev Cunningham said he had been looking forward to celebrating Mass on Sunday when he saw the damage and “rather offensive language against the Catholic Church and against Christ himself”.

He said: “It is a reminder that we are journeying together facing that sort of evil in our world. I have not recovered, I suppose, I have not relaxed.”

One Facebook user commented: “So sorry to hear about that awful desecration. It’s hard to pray for cruel, nasty people but we must. I hope it can be restored.” Another described what had happened as “a senseless act of malice”.

Ch Insp Joseph McNally, of Cheshire Police, said: “The vandalism of a war memorial is particularly upsetting, as these sites exist to honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.

“This type of behaviour is completely unacceptable and has a significant impact on those who use and support the church and the wider community.

“I would particularly urge anyone who was in the vicinity of St Alban’s Church between 6pm-10pm over the weekend to come forward if they saw anything suspicious.

“We are especially keen to hear from anyone who may have CCTV, doorbell, dashcam or mobile phone footage from the area that could help identify those involved.

“We understand the concern incidents such as this can cause within the community and we’re working closely with local partners and church representatives as part of our investigation.”