Warning as Derby's historic buildings hit by lead thieves

A small amount of lead being taken can cause thousands of pounds worth of damage

Listed buildings including Derby city centre churches have been targeted by metal thieves.

St Mary's and St Werburgh's churches are among historic buildings to have been stripped, say officers.

Police said a male suspect from Derby was detained on Tuesday on suspicion of theft and handling stolen goods in connection with a series of lead thefts from buildings in the city centre.

He has been released on bail while investigations continue.

Derbyshire Police warned incidents of metal thefts were on the rise and there had been three arrests in May over metal thefts in the city.

A spokesperson said: "Many of these buildings such as St Mary's Church and St Werburgh's Church are listed and part of the city's heritage, and have been attacked on multiple occasions.

"The damage caused by removing a relatively low value amount of lead can run into the thousands.

"With the increase in scrap value of metal, particularly copper, metal theft is on the rise.

"Please be vigilant to these kinds of offences and report anything suspicious. Be sure to keep a close eye on your churches and listed buildings."