A suspect who tried to tear a huge cross off the roof of a church in east London was tackled by the reverend before police arrived at the scene.
Footage on social media appears to show the man ripping at the large wooden crucifix after scaling the roof of Chadwell Heath Baptist Church in east London.
He is seen hanging his parka jacket on the cross as he repeatedly attempts to pull the cross from its base.
Reverend John, who had just held his regular Sunday service at the church, said on Facebook that he apprehended the suspect and held him until police arrived.
He said: “We retrieved the cross and he didn't harm himself or anyone else - he could so easily have fallen off the roof which wouldn't have been good.
“The police responded very quickly and took him into custody where he will be professionally assessed and hopefully receive the help he requires.
“It was frustrating to have the church vandalised but material things can be fixed with ease. Had he lost his life that would have been tragic.”
The video has amassed more than 1.6million views on Twitter.
Labour Cllr Khayer Chowdhury tweeted the video before adding: “This is unacceptable behaviour and if applicable, should be treated as a hate crime. I am glad to hear police have already arrested a male.
“Everyone is rightfully outraged but we should now give detectives the space to investigate this case. Please do not speculate.”
A Metropolitan Police spokesman said the force was called to High Road, Chadwell Heath, at 2.20pm on Sunday to reports of criminal damage.
He said: “It was reported that a man had tried to rip a cross off of a church roof.
"A man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of criminal damage. He has been taken into custody. The cross was recovered.”
