Vandals destroyed a nativity scene at an ancient church in England just four days after it was put up.

Vicar of the 13th century All Saints Church in Ipswich, the Rev. Danny Morrison, told reporters that the congregation was "distraught and saddened" by the "barbaric" attack that destroyed the nativity scene, CBN News reported.

"Why would someone have so much hatred and desire to ruin and destroy something that is not their property and something that is there to express someone's belief?" he said. "I am also saddened because I know the amount of work put in by so many at the church, and also saddened for the people that have done it.

"What state might their life be like if they find pleasure in doing this? I am trying to make sense, which I really can't."

Vandals pulled apart the nativity scene and beheaded a model of Joseph.

"We feel it is something that is appreciated around here," said church leader Jane Cornish. She said the scene takes a "long time" to put up.

"It was so sad when we arrived in the morning to see it in bits on the ground," Cornish added. "We have got other ready-made figures, which we use inside, but they are not as sturdy, and to fix the figures would take a long time because they really are in little bits."

Carole Jones, the Ipswich borough councillor, said in a statement, "it's hard to understand such mindless vandalism, especially as this is meant to remind people of Christmas.

"It is a gift to the neighborhood as well," she said. "When people pass it and see it, it cheers them up."

Previously in December 2018, CCTV footage captured video of a man damaging the same nativity scene at the church. The man also beheaded the figure of Joseph.

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