Church in Woodchurch hit by fifth theft of lead

The thefts from All Saints Church have caused water damage to the inside of the building

Lead worth more than £8,000 has been stolen from the roof of a Kent church in a series of thefts which have caused water damage inside the building.

Kent Police said the latest theft of lead from the roof of All Saints, Woodchurch, was discovered on Saturday.

More than two thirds of the lead from one section of the roof has gone, damaging fittings in the church.

A spokeswoman said a vehicle would have been needed to remove the heavy material from the scene.

The Reverend Paul White, said it had been the fifth time the church had been targeted for lead this year.

Police said thieves also targeted a church in Chapel Road, Dymchurch, at the weekend.

Copper was stolen on Sunday after reports that someone was seen on the roof the night before.

A van seen nearby in the early hours of Saturday and later found abandoned in a field in Eastbridge Road was reported stolen from Ashford, police said.