Stained glass at cathedral damaged by raiders

Small amount of cash taken

BURGLARS have smashed a stainedglass window a short distance from the tomb of Richard III at Leicester Cathedral.

The attack took place between 6pm on Wednesday and 7.20am on Thursday.

Intruders broke through a decorative window in the chapel of Christ the King at the eastern end of the cathedral, which is next to the room where the last of the Plantagenet kings is buried.

A police spokeswoman said: “Damage was caused to a window and a small amount of money was taken.”

A spokesman for the cathedral said: “It’s very sad. We continue to work hard to try to ensure this lovely building can be experienced by everyone.

“We want to be a place where all can feel welcome and safe, so it’s disappointing that this damage has happened.

“We would encourage anyone who does know anything about this to contact the police.”

There was no other damage caused, apart from the window.

Raiders also targeted the cathedral several times in 2018, causing £5,000 of damage as they smashed stained-glass windows to gain access.

The cathedral plans to replace the 1930s-built school with a stone, terracotta and glass learning centre, as part of an £11.3 million renovation proposal.

Richard III was reinterred in March 2015 after his remains were discovered under a nearby car park.

He was killed at the Battle of Bosworth in 1485, marking the start of the Tudor dynasty.

A long weekend of events to mark the fifth anniversary of the reinterment is planned this month, from March 26 to 29.