Mindless vandals have trashed a historic Scots church causing £50,000 worth of damage.
Police have launched a probe after the former South and Levern Church in Barrhead, East Renfrewshire, was targeted by louts.
The listed building dated back to 1846 and had hosted Scouts and Guides groups, as well as been used by foodbanks.
Assets, including the church organ, had hoped to have been sold off by owners, but have now been damaged beyond repair.
The congregation had merged with Arthurlie Church in 2013 due to declining numbers, forming St Andrew's Church .
The building was trashed on Friday with police estimating the damage amounted to five figures.
Brass fittings were ripped off, lights were destroyed and food was sprayed over the walls and floor. Meanwhile, radiators were also pulled from the walls.
The owner, speaking on condition of anonymity, said: "They have absolutely destroyed the inside of the church and must have used some force to do so.
"It's so sad. We were going to strip the building back but it would have been done in a constructive way, not like this.
"We also planned to find a buyer for the organ and pipes so they could be saved but the organ is now beyond repair. This has been mindless vandalism for its own sake."
Every window at the rear of the 176-year-old building, in Main Street, has been broken.
Police have confirmed they are investigating "ongoing break-ins and vandalisms" at the empty church building.
A spokesperson said: "It is estimated that a five-figure sum of damage has been caused in total.
"Enquiries are ongoing and anyone with information is urged to call police on 101."
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