26/02/2019 16:30
St Michan's, Dublin: Vandals decapitate 800-year-old crusader
An 800-year-old "crusader" from a crypt in a Dublin church has been decapitated by vandals.
Archdeacon David Pierpoint the crusader's head has been "severed from his body and taken away".
The discovery was made as a tour guide was preparing to open the church for visitors on Monday afternoon.
Archdeacon Pierpoint said he was upset and disappointed that the church has been targeted again by vandals.
The crypt of St Michan's was vandalised in 1996.
Archdeacon Pierpoint told RTÉ the incident is devastating for the parish and community.
He said initially he was "quite disgusted" when he saw what had happened, but now he is "just sad".
"It's a sad day for the church and a sad day for humanity that someone would do such a thing."