Telford metal theft brings down ceilings

Ceilings collapsed at a Telford house after thieves stole thousands of pounds worth of copper piping.

Police said about 40m of pipes were stolen from radiators, causing a "significant" leak at an empty property at Fifth Avenue in Ketley Bank.

They said the break in, which caused damage put at £5,000, was believed to have taken place on Tuesday night.

The theft was only detected when the leak later spread to a neighbour's house, West Mercia Police said.

West Mercia Police appealed for anyone with information on the theft to contact them on the non-emergency 101 number.

A spokeswoman added: "Around £3,000 worth of copper piping was stolen from the property and it is estimated that it will cost around £5,000 to fix, repair and redecorate."