VANDALS have caused thousands of pounds damage to a Southampton's main church once again - the third time it has been targeted in five weeks.

Scores of glass window panes were shattered after the thugs struck in the early hours of yesterday morning.

Church staff at the city's mother church of St Mary's are now facing another major clean up operation - days before one of the biggest events in their calendar, the St Mary's Festival this weekend.

The latest vandalism was discovered by vicar Steve Hall as he went to say his daily morning prayers yesterday.

Police have now vowed to step up patrols of the churchyard during the night in a bid to stop the attacks.

The Rev Hall told the Daily Echo how the church was facing insurance costs topping £30,000 following the three incidents.

The previous assault on the church came just 48 hours before their annual flower festival and an event to mark their golden jubilee with 150 invited guests.

A total of 17 windows were smashed - including a Barnabas stained glass window which had only just been refitted after being repaired.

This week's attack saw three windows shattered, with up to 40 panes of glass left scattered around the inside and outside of the building.

The Rev Hall said: "Once again we have a big event coming up and the windows have been put through. It makes us feel that this could be personal, that maybe someone holds a grudge against us as individuals or the church."

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0845 045 4545.