A man arrested for criminal damage appears to have climbed to the top of an altar inside a Reading church.
Yesterday, Sunday, April 12, a man was arrested at about midday following an incident of criminal damage at Reading Minster Church in St Mary's Butts.
Several police officers attended the incident at about 12.15pm, with multiple police cars surrounding the main entrance.
According to a witness, police 'carried' a man out of the church and took him away in the van.
In a picture submitted to The Chronicle, a man is pictured with his arms outstretched, standing on the historic Reading church's altar with no shoes on.
READ MORE: Pippa Middleton angers West Berkshire locals over footpath
The incident coincided with the Memorial of Jesus’ Death, (April 12), an annual commemoration of Jesus Christ's sacrifice after he died on the cross.
Thames Valley Police confirmed the man arrested has since been detained under the Mental Health Act.
This means he will be kept in hospital for assessment or treatment as his mental health 'puts others at risk'.
Speaking on Sunday, April 12, Thames Valley Police said they maintained a police presence in the town centre for "reassurance" patrols following the incident.
Reading Minster is the town's oldest church with more than 900 years of history.
The current high altar and reredos at Reading Minster (St Mary the Virgin) were added in 1935.
Share