Vandalism at a local landmark has been dubbed 'mindless' by Rutland residents.

Normanton Church has been vandalised, causing dismay among the local community who are passionate about the iconic local landmark.

Rutland's most famous landmark, Normanton Church is a very popular and unique venue for weddings

It has been standing for centuries, and the medieval church was rebuilt in the 1760s in classical style and again rebuilt by the 4th baronet to create the church we see today.

When Rutland Water was created in the 1970s the church was threatened with being sunk beneath the waves and lost forever, however teams worked to raise the church, creating an iconic waterside landmark that is admired from the land and the reservoir.

Jonny Young, custodian of the historic landmark, said: "On Monday [30 October] vandalism was found carved into the wall of this iconic building on the shore of Rutland Water. This is extremely frustrating and upsetting for me as the custodian of this fine building."

Vandalism has been found on Normaton Church and reported to the police. Image credit: Jonny Young.

Mr Young attached an image and requested that, if any of the names listed look familiar, to please report to the Leicestershire & Rutland Rural Policing Team

The image shows what appears to be names scratched into the side of Norman Church: "MERCAN, ERCAN, HOLLY, NOAH, V+L."

One resident dubbed the perpetrators "mindless thugs", while another commented: "These people really do need to be found, how mindless."

Do you have any information?

You can contact the police or report a crime online or by calling 101.