Bangalore, Sep 10 - A mob Thursday attacked a church at Hebbagudi near here and damaged the statues of Mother Mary and Infant Jesus in the premises, police said, adding that a hunt was on to nab the vandals.

'The St Francis de Sales Church was attacked by about 20-25 miscreants after they forced their entry into the premises in the early hours, breaking the statues of Mary and Jesus, besides smashing window-panes of the building,' Hebbagudi circle inspector A. Yelagaiah told IANS on telephone.

Police have registered a case under various sections of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) and the Indian Penal Code (IPC) against the miscreants for religious provocation, damage to religious premises and unlawful entry into a private place.

'No arrests have been made so far, as we are yet to trace the culprits. Investigation is on to identify the suspects. We have posted policemen to guard the church,' Yelagaiah said.

The attack led to tension at Hebbagudi near Anekal in Bangalore Rural district, about 30 km from the city, as hundreds of people gathered at the church, seeking action against the attackers and protection to the church.

'The situation is peaceful. No untoward incident has been reported. We have appealed to people to maintain peace and order. We have assured church authorities of stringent action against the vandals,' Yelagaiah pointed out.

Chief priest Father Aronnis, who filed a complaint with police, said the miscreants vandalised the place and broke the statues of Holy Mary and Jesus from the pedestal within the compound.