Reward offered to find York Minster vandals – as police issue new CCTV images

Police investigating the vandalism of York Minster have released more images of the two people believed to be responsible.

The cathedral was damaged on Friday 31 July between 1.30am – 5am after two men climbed scaffolding.

They removed access doors to the North West tower of the Grade I listed building, and threw items which are believed to have knocked one of the Minster’s gargoyles to the ground.

Two men were seen on CCTV climbing the scaffolding around 4.55am, before exiting the grounds over a locked fence and heading in the direction of Ogleforth.

New CCTV images now show their movements following their exit from the Minster and subsequent journey on foot.

‘Significant financial reward’

Police tonight renewed their appeal for the public’s help to identify these two men.

The first man is described is

• white
• in his late teens or early twenties
• wearing a black tracksuit
• with a blue baseball cap
• and black trainers with a white sole.

The second man is described as

• white
• a similar age to the first
• wearing a dark hooded top
• black tracksuit bottoms
• and black trainers with white socks.

A supporter of York Minster has also now offered a significant financial reward for anyone who can provide information which leads to the successful conviction of the individuals responsible for this vandalism.

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation should contact North Yorkshire Police.

How to help the police