A GANG of thieves has stripped some of the lead from the roof of St James the Great Church in Bratton.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the theft, which happened overnight on September 8/9.

It is believed the thieves used a crowbar to access a road to the church with a vehicle.

Damage was then caused to the stonework in the process of the lead being stolen from the roof.

PC Michelle Haley said: “We believe that a large van would have been required to transport the amount of lead which was stolen, and it is likely that a number of people were involved in the theft.

“We would like to appeal to anyone who may have seen or heard any suspicious behaviour in the area overnight, or prior to the incident, to get in touch.”

Anyone with information should call 101 and quote crime reference number 54190089177. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.