Minster lead theft an 'enormous deal' - warden

Grimsby Minster Warden Bob Lockwood said the lead theft has caused them big problems

Thieves who have stolen lead off the roof of the historic Grimsby Minster have dealt the church a financial blow, staff have said.

The lead flashing, which is believed to have been taken off a porch roof on Sunday night, will cost about £1,000 to repair.

Church warden Bob Lockwood said: "It is an enormous deal. We are a church running at a £1,000-a-week loss and for this to be added to it just makes the headache even worse."

Humberside Police which is investigating the theft urged anyone with information or CCTV footage to come forward.

Staff at the minster were alerted to the theft of the lead flashing on Monday, but it is believed to have been stolen the previous night and comes after a recent break-in at the minster.

Mr Lockwood said: "It is an enormous deal. We are a church running at a £1,000-a-week loss and for this to be added to it just makes the headache even worse.

"It is a very big problem for us and it's something we can't afford to sustain."

A large piece of the roof lead was found on the ground outside the minster

Mr Lockwood said a lot of the lead had been removed and there were also pieces left lying on the ground.

"Helpers have done a good job of making good the roof until it can be properly repaired," he added.

"We just hope that... if we can find out who did it it'll give us some satisfaction that other places won't be broken into as well."

Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.

Download the BBC News app from the App Store for iPhone and iPad or Google Play for Android devices