Indian nuns at a convent in Glasgow, Scotland, are said to be “terrified” after a series of attacks.

The convent, which houses four Indian nuns from the Missionaries of Charity order founded by Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, has had its windows smashed and items stolen.

In one incident, when a bottle was thrown through a window, the noise was so loud that nuns were reported to have thought there was an explosion in the house.

This incident is thought to have been sectarian because it happened on July 12, anniversary of a battle in Ireland in 1690 which is celebrated with marches and rallies by Protestants in Northern Ireland and Scotland.

These celebrations often lead to communal strife.

In other incidents, it is reported, upstairs windows were smashed and a statue of the Virgin Mary stolen. The vegetable garden has also been vandalised.

The Glasgow Herald newspaper quoted Sister Vianita, the convent superior, as saying: “We were sleeping when somebody threw something at the window. It was so loud the house shook. We thought a bomb had gone off.

“Some teenagers make fun, because they think we are Muslims,” she added, referring to the distinctive blue-and-white saris worn by the order

“This kind of attack is utterly deplorable. Those who commit such crimes should be ashamed,” the Herald quoted a Church spokesman as saying.