A MEDIEVAL church has been subjected to an act of vandalism for the fourth time in a month.

Police officers have confirmed they have received a report of a wall, surrounding the parish church of St Dyfan and St Teilo, in Merthyr Dyfan, Barry, being targeted.

Three incidents, involving damage to the wall and a cross base, had previously been reported and a fundraising appeal has been launched to help repair the damage to the grade II listed structure.

Father Robert Parrish, who has been at the church for 17 years then described the damage as “disheartening” and said it would cost thousands of pounds to restore.

Reputed to be the oldest Christian site in Wales the current church dates to 1200 and has a congregation of around 15 people.

An appeal to pay for essential repairs, new drainage system and traditional lime plastering for the interior walls to prevent damp penetration damaging the ancient church, is already ongoing.

A South Wales Police spokeswoman said: “We have received a report of further damage to a medieval wall at St Dyfan and St Teilo's Church on Merthyr Dyfan Road.

The damage is believed to have taken place sometime between 6pm on April 27 and 10am on April 28.

Anyone with any information should call 101 quoting reference 1900151590 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

To support the appeal, visit gofundme.com/repair-amp-secure-vandalised-merthyr-dyfan-church?fbclid=IwAR3JxfRwCSZvO6zYlE09QnXQ9kQtmD0dhwtOiK78bch6nOEGPv1F6aU9OCE

or email merthyrdyfanchurchappeal@gmail.com