A man has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage after an ornate stained glass window at a west London church was repeatedly smashed.
Across five nights last week, the "beautiful" post-war window fronting St James's Church in Paddington was "badly damaged" by vandalism.
Photos posted on the church's Facebook page appear to show at least 16 holes peppering the glass.
Metropolitan Police confirmed it was called to the church around 6.15pm on January 5.
British Transport Police officers arrested a 26-year-old man on suspicion of criminal damage in connection with the incident the same day, a Met spokesperson said on Friday.
He has since been bailed.
The church, in Sussex Square between Lancaster Gate and Paddington railway station, is now fundraising £35,000 to help restore the stained glass and protect it and other windows.
Father Tim Handley, vicar of St James's, told the Standard: "Our east window is a familiar and much beloved sight for many people as they come to Paddington.
"It's now had to be completely boarded and will have to remain so until we are able to carry out repairs.
"The beautiful interior light of our church has been dimmed, temporarily.
"It's caused a lot of upset to many people - Christians, non-believers and people of other faiths - as St James's is there for everyone and very much seen by locals as their parish church. We are all extremely upset."
A Gofundme page set up to fund the repairs tells how "over the course of five nights, an individual repeatedly attacked the church, damaging virtually every panel of the window".
"Some panels have been completely destroyed, others badly damaged," the page said.
"St James's needs urgent help to make safe the windows, carry out replacement/repair work, and then protect them for the future through the installation of grilling."
The Gofundme page describes the church as "a vibrant, hospitable, and welcoming home for many people and community groups – of Christian faith, other faiths, and of none".
"Many migrants and asylum seekers have found a home with us, alongside people who have been worshipping with us for decades," it adds. "We are truly a family of the nations."
Launched two days ago, the page had raised more than £2,600 as of Friday afternoon.
Donor Justin Pawley wrote: "St James's is an amazing church and a hub of the community, such a shame this happened."
Maria Poon said: "My family has been part of St James's for many, many years and it is so sad to hear this happened to our beloved church."
Ryan Thomas said St James's was "a constant source of spiritual support for so many during lockdown".
