Boston Stump: New floodlights stolen from church

The lights were stolen from brick boxes outside the church

New LED floodlights which were set to illuminate a church tower in Lincolnshire have been stolen before they were even turned on.

Two lights were taken from brick boxes at St Botolph's Church, known as Boston Stump, in Boston, on Monday.

They were due to be switched on in November, the first time since the building was damaged by flooding in December 2013.

Reverend Alyson Buxton said it was a sad day for the church.

A service marking the deaths of parishioners was due to be held the day the lights illuminated Boston Stump, so-called due to its 272ft (83m) tower.

Ms Buxton said: "We thought it would be very fitting on that evening if the lights on Boston Stump came on again after the flood."

The church was flooded when the River Haven burst its banks during the tidal surge on 5 December 2013.

The damage caused by the flooding was estimated to have cost between £250,000 and £500,000.

Anyone with information about the theft has been asked to contact police.

The church is known as Boston Stump due to its tall tower