The high altar area of Glastonbury Abbey is fenced off after vandals dug a hole within the ruins.

At some point before 10.45am on Thursday (July 8) the vandals caused the damage, and an investigation is now underway.

The team at the abbey are reminding people that vandalising a scheduled monument is a criminal offence.

A spokesperson said: "It is a criminal offence to destroy or damage a scheduled monument either intentionally or through recklessness.

"At some point prior to 10.45am on July 8 a person or persons has vandalised the high altar within the great church ruin of Glastonbury Abbey.

"A significant hole has been dug in the area and the high altar is currently behind pedestrian barriers while investigation and assessment are underway.

"As a scheduled monument any damage to the grounds or ruins is liable for prosecution and we remind everyone that digging within the grounds, climbing on the ruins or removing parts of the ruin can be prosecuted as a criminal act.

"We regret any interruption to your visit caused by this mindless act."