A POPULAR seafront church has been forced to close except for services following an incident of vandalism.

Church leaders have announced St Michael’s Church in Teignmouth will no longer be open every day since the vandal attack.

Known as The Church By The Sea, it was previously open daily between 10am and 3pm for personal prayer.

Churchwardens Christine Vince and Lesley Heffer said: ‘Sadly, the church was recent subjected to some vandalism.

‘The incident was reported to the police and the damage has been rectified, but as a precaution it will not now be possible for the building to be open when unoccupied.

‘We apologise that the church will unfortunately not always be available to visitors and those wishing to make private devotions until a satisfactory solution is found.’

It was also said the church did not want to close as many locals and visitors enjoyed going in.

The church remains open on Sunday morning and for booked activities and other services.