Church Pride flags stolen six times in two weeks

Flags have been stolen six times in two weeks from a Leigh-on-Sea church

Police have appealed for information after six Pride flags were stolen from the front of a church building over a two week period.

Essex Police confirmed the thefts were reported between 10 and 25 May, from Leigh Wesley Methodist Church in Elm Road, Leigh-on-Sea.

Officers want to speak to two people in connection with the incidents.

A church spokesperson said they were "saddened" by the thefts but pledged to "continue to show our support for the LGBT+ community and replace the flags".

They added: "This follows similar incidents where more than a dozen have been taken in the last few months.

"As an inclusive church, we are saddened by this."

Essex Police said it was looking for two people in connection with the thefts

Lewis Byford, a businessman from Southend who came out about four years ago, said the removal of the flags was "a bit disheartening".

"I think it shows the ongoing challenges that are still faced within the community at the moment, but I think that the support of the church shows their level of resilience in the matter - and the resilience in the LGBTQ+ community remains really strong," he said.

Essex Police has appealed for anyone with information, CCTV , phone or dashcam footage in relation to the thefts to come forward.