Vandals ripped stones from a wall at Carlisle Cathedral – before smashing them onto a city centre road.

The sandstone coping stones were left in pieces after youths were seen climbing across the top of walls surrounding the landmark building.

One was thrown down on West Walls, causing damage to the surface of the road itself, before a second – much larger – stone was ripped off and thrown over the west wall, smashing into pieces.

A road closure notice is already in place for West Walls from Monday, for remedial works as part of the new Castle Way crossing.

A spokesman for the county council said it had been unaware of the damage road but, if it needed repairs, then it was probable this would be completed at the same time.

The incident, the latest in a series of problems with anti-social behaviour in the city, has sparked fresh calls for a permanent police presence in Carlisle city centre.

Councillor Alan McGuckin, who represents Castle ward on Cumbria County Council, said: “Their actions are to be condemned immediately but, in the longer term, the need for a police presence in the city centre has been reinforced.

"You can’t depend on the police to be everywhere at all times, but they interact with the community and if they are not there then they are not able to build up connections and respond quickly.

“This is particularly important in Carlisle in terms of its historical place and the part it plays in tourism and social industry.”

However, Mr McGuckin was keen to stress that the youths behind the damage are a minority adding: “I wouldn’t project their actions on the majority or even on a large minority.”

It is the second incident at the cathedral in recent weeks.

Last month police investigated reports of a possible break in, after two people were spotted entering the cathedral at about midnight.

Officers stood guard outside the 900-year-old building for several hours after it was cordoned off to the public.

Two services due to take place inside the cathedral had to be moved: the first, a dementia awareness service, was held in the open air under the sunny skies; a lunchtime Eucharist for Ascension Day was relocated to the nearby Fratry building.

Police later released a statement saying nothing was stolen.

There has been a rise in anti-social behaviour in the city this year, sparking a dedicated police operation.

Operation Mangrove was launched in February to tackle the issue and has already generated “good results”.

Sergeant Lewis Powell recently said: “Through regular conversations we are noticing that our work is being recognised and, importantly, is making a difference. Anti-social behaviour is something that local people simply should not have to experience.”

The vandalism at the cathedral is believed to have happened at about 8pm on Saturday.