A vandal has been given a police caution after causing damage valued at more than £4,000 inside St Edmundsbury Cathedral.

The 36-year-old from west Suffolk has also admitted a further offence of criminal damage at St George’s Church in Bradfield St George on the same day.

Police said the man has accepted responsibility for both incidents, but will not face court.

A spokesman for Suffolk Constabulary declined to go into the details of the decision.

However, it is understood cautions can be issued when there are mitigating factors and when all parties agree they do not wish for the matter to be taken any further.

The vandalism at St Edmundsbury Cathedral on Angel Hill, Bury St Edmunds, took place on the afternoon of Sunday, June 15.

The man entered the church at around 3pm and caused damage to a wooden gate, two silver candle holders and an embroidered silk tablecloth.

On the same afternoon he went to St George’s Church in Church Road, Bradfield St George, took items from inside the church and piled them up.

Originally it was suspected an attempt was being made to set them alight, but the man was disturbed by someone entering the church which caused him to leave.

He was arrested in Essex before being taken to Bury police investigation centre.

He was questioned there by police and bailed pending further enquiries.

When he returned to answer his bail last week two cautions were issued after he admitted the offences.

Timothy Cracknell, a spokesman for Suffolk Constabulary, said: “A 36-year-old man from the Mildenhall area received police cautions in respect of two incidents of criminal damage occurring at St Edmundsbury Cathedral and St George’s Church, Bradfield St George, both taking place on the June 15, 2014.”