The Mariakyrkan church in Hammarkullen was subjected to extensive vandalism late Monday evening. Several windows were smashed, and furnishings inside the building were destroyed. The police have launched an investigation, but no suspects have been identified yet.
The alarm was received shortly before 10 p.m. after someone heard the sound of breaking glass from the former church building. Police were dispatched to the scene to investigate what had happened and to search for those responsible.
According to police spokesperson Adam Isaksson Samara, the patrol encountered extensive damage. The building was cordoned off as large amounts of broken glass made it hazardous to be inside the premises.
When the site was visited on Tuesday morning, clear evidence of vandalism could be seen. Several windowpanes were shattered, and parts of the interior had been knocked over or destroyed, including a painting with religious motifs.
SEE VIDEO: Church targeted in arson attack outside Stockholm
The current church building is no longer used by the Church of Sweden. After extensive mold damage was discovered, activities were moved to temporary facilities in barracks next to the old church.
At the same time, a major development project is underway in the area. The plan is for the current building to be demolished and replaced with new facilities for church activities, meeting spaces, a café, and housing tailored for the elderly.
Magnus Sundemo, project manager at the Church of Sweden, describes the incident as deplorable, but downplays its gravity by pointing out that the vandalized church building was already planned for abandonment.
– I think it’s awful. At the same time, in the back of our minds, we weren’t planning to use the premises for anything, and it will be demolished.
Despite the incident where someone smashed up the church, Magnus Sundemo, project manager at the Church of Sweden, remains positive about the future in the area, which police classify as a particularly vulnerable area. He emphasizes that the goal is to create activities that will benefit both Hammarkullen and Angered.
The police have filed a report of criminal damage. The investigation is ongoing, and at present, no one has been arrested.
READ ALSO: Church vandalized in Stockholm suburb