Burglars broke into a church and set it on fire as they stole irreplaceable silverware in Northfleet.

St Mark's Church in London Road was broken into and ransacked on Sunday night, before the vestry was set ablaze.

A spokesman for Northfleet Parishes said the crooks made off with items of communion silverware that have Latin inscriptions on them.

The spokesman told News Shopper: "It is certainly rare in the sense that it would probably have been bought for the church in memory of a loved one.

"Unfortunately I lack firm information or photographic records for the silverware but it will be Victorian. It will not be possible to buy another exact set as they would have been specially made."

The criminals got away with a set of Victorian communion silverware comprising a chalice and paten.

A second plate that was an original Victorian belonging church of St Mark, which was used each week, was also taken.

The chalice and one of the plates are marked with Latin lettering around their rims.

Police said they were called to the burglary in London Road, where a room had been set alight.

The vestry had been ransacked and the fire has damaged the walls and carpet.

A spokesman said: "Enquiries into the circumstances are ongoing."

Northfleet Parishes has received several offers to help following the break-in.

The spokesman said: "There has been no shortage of charity with lots of kind offers to help with the huge clean-up and repair operation which now faces us.

"The responses show that there is great community spirit here, and be assured that as you have been there for us this week, we are here for you, too."