Police officers are urging people to "respect" an ancient church in a Nottinghamshire village after it was damaged by vandals.
St Mary's Church in Colston Bassett, which dates back to 1135, has been designated as an Ancient Monument as well as being Grade-I listed.
The building, which was built on the site of what is believed to have been a Saxon church before it, has however been the victim of criminal damage since the beginning of the year.
Nottinghamshire Police says headstones have been damaged and a large quantity of blue bias limestone bricks have been removed before being dumped on the ground.
Police sergeant Chris Jury said: "Whilst the vast majority of the people attending that location are doing so to see the ruins or as part of them exercising, can you please be vigilant in an effort to ensure that no further damage takes place.
"The site is a Grade-1 listed scheduled monument and is also the village cemetery where services are occasionally held.
"It is expected to be very costly to repair the damage and we are particularly keen to speak to a group known to frequent the area."
The Southwell and Nottingham Church History Project says the depopulation of the Wolds led to the building's gradual decline and by 1744 the church was in disrepair, with many of its features being removed and taken elsewhere.
Despite this St Mary’s was never de-consecrated and in July 2005 a service of re-dedication was held in the ruins following restoration work, which began in 1994.
Nottinghamshire Police says there have also been reports of littering at the site, and have urged people to respect the building which has a huge amount of history.
Police sergeant Jury added: "If you have witnessed anyone causing damage at this location or suspect that you may know who was responsible for it, please call the non-emergency number on 101.
"Please quote crime reference 21000133508 or alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111."
