Yobs have been blasted after 'deliberately' setting fire to a Scots Catholic holy site.
The Lourdes Cave at the Carfin Grotto near Motherwell was attacked by firebugs last night, church bosses said.
The grotto holds memorials to loved ones who have passed away the cave is a special site of sanctuary and reflection for many.
In a video on social media, Sancta Familia Media- who run press inquiries for the shrine- said the blaze had caused massive damage to cabling and candle holders while the roof appeared to also have been burned.
Memorial plaques for loved ones have also been damaged in the mindless blaze.
A spokesman for Sancta Familia Media told the Record: "We know it was deliberate because items were added in a pile and set on fire within the Lourdes memorial cave
"The fire was quite intense as it has bent and melted metal stands which held candles and damaged some of the gold lettering on loved ones memorials.
"We do not know who did this as there was no cctv in that direction, however we pray for them that they may see the wrong in their actions.
"It is worrying for Catholics that so many acts of vandalism and destruction are reported up and down the country. We hope it is addressed at a national level.
"The Grotto is open to everyone not just Catholics and we would hate to be in a situation where we had to close access which is enjoyed by many as a place of peace."
The spokesman added that the police had been contacted but he was unsure if they had yet visited.
Opened in 1922 by Monsignor Thomas Canon Taylor, the Grotto welcomes over 70,000 pilgrims each year from across the globe and is open every day of the year.
Situated in the Parish of St Francis Xavier's in the village of Carfin, near Motherwell in North Lanarkshire, it is Scotland's National Shrine to Our Lady of Lourdes.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We were made aware of damage caused at Carfin Grotto on Newarthill Road in Motherwell around 12.50pm on Monday, 18 October.
“Enquiries are ongoing and at an early stage.”
