YOBS attacked four churches in one night daubing them with racist and anti-religious graffiti.

The attacks in Rishton, which caused thousands of pounds worth of damage, have been branded "mindless and totally unacceptable" by one vicar, who said he was sick of vandalism in the town.

Targeted were St Peter and St Paul CE Church in Blackburn Road, St Charles RC Church in St Charles Road, Rishton Methodist Church in Albert Street and Rishton Baptist Church in Commercial Street.

Among the graffiti was swastikas, upside-down crosses and anti-Asian racist messages.

There was also some damage at the town's library in High Street.

The Rev Michael Woods from St Peter and St Paul Church was greeted with a series of anti-religious messages when he opened up the church yesterday morning.

He said: "It is totally unimaginable that someone would do this. I can't understand the mentality of some people.

"I am sure that it was just a very small minority but it is very upsetting.

"Churches are public buildings and I think that is the reason we have been targeted.

"I have been here for the last year and we have had a number of vandalism incidents in that time but this is the worst. "

Inspector John O'Reilly said: "Inquiries are under way to find out exactly who was responsible for this attack.

"Nazi signs and graffiti of a racist and offensive nature has been scrolled across a number of properties and as such we are treating these incidents very seriously.

"The people responsible for this attack of needless and wanton vandalism have no respect for other people.

"I urge anyone who is concerned to contact the police immediately."

The cost of repairing the damage could run into thousands of pounds.

At St Peter and St Paul several windows were smashed in addition to the graffiti.

Ian Kitchin, treasurer at Rishton Methodist Church, said the damage had been "very upsetting".

He said along with the damage, there was a letter shoved through the letterbox at the church which was full of racist propaganda.

Mr Kitchin said: "There is a lot of graffiti which we have been trying to clean up.

"There have been a few of us with buckets and sponges trying to get rid of all of the mess.

"There has been a lot of nervous energy expended. It is a worrying time for us. We don't really know why this has happened."

As well as the churches there was graffiti reported at a number of cash points and garages in the town.

Police have appealed for any witnesses to the incidents to come forward.

You can call police on 01254 51212 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.