TWITTER Twitter user José Antonio Beltrán shared these shocking photos

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The attackers smashed wooden statues of the Virgin Mary and Jesus on the cross during the shocking attack earlier this week. They stormed the Church of our Lady of Carmen in the Spanish town of Rincon de la Victoria, Andalucia on Monday morning. Spain's Civil Guard has now launched a probe into the vandalism.

TWITTER The vandals also spray-painted the word 'Allah' on the church

A spokesman for the Diocese of Malaga said the attack – first discovered by priest Agustin Carrasco – was not representative of all Muslims. He also said it was committed to maintaining "respect and fraternity between different religious groups".

Last month a Moroccan man was arrested in the same town after allegedly trying to damage another statue of the Virgin Mary. The 27-year-old repeatedly launched a large rock at a wall protecting the statue. He is also said to have shouted the Arabic phrase "Allahu Akbar" – meaning "God is great" – while being led away from the shrine by police.

TWITTER Spain's Civil Guard has now launched a probe into the vandalism