RESIDENTS of a quiet seaside village say it is being terrorised by vandals who even sparked fear of a nuclear attack.

       Locals of Newquay, Cornwall, are up in arms over a spate of intrusions into the local parish church.

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       Vandals rang the bells of the parish church in Newquay at 1am on Monday Credit: Wessex News

       The electrical systems in the organ have been ripped out and cleaning fluid thrown around the quaint church, which has stood on the site in one form or another since the year 1150, according to the vicar.

       But in the latest nuisance, troublemakers climbed up the scaffolding around the 115ft bell tower and shrieked with laughter as they rang the bells at 1am on Monday.

       Nearby families were jolted awake, with some even wondering if the tolling was the village's way of warning of a nuclear attack.

       Others feared that the ghostly peal echoing from over the church's graveyard was an omen of horror to come.

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       Reverend Chris McQuillen-Wright said: "The police arrived and had a conversation with those involved.

       "They have climbed up some scaffolding and the bell tower, which is the second-tallest in Cornwall.

       "From the outside, at the very top, we've never been bothered to lock it.

       "So, at one o' clock in the morning, they decided they would ring the bells very loudly, which, of course, then attracted some attention."

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       A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said: "Police were called at around 1am on Monday to reports of anti-social behaviour in St Columb.

       "It was reported that two people were seen and heard ringing the church bells.

       "Officers attended and spoke to the two men, who were dispersed from the area."