AKIPRESS.COM - An 800-year-old 'Crusader' from a crypt in a Dublin church has been decapitated by vandals, BBC reports.

Archdeacon David Pierpoint told RTE the Crusader's head has been "severed from his body and taken away".

The discovery was made as a tour guide was preparing to open the church for visitors on Monday afternoon.

Archdeacon Pierpoint said he was upset and disappointed that the church has been targeted again by vandals.

The crypt of St Michan's was vandalised in 1996.