Haverfordwest museum artefacts moved after thieves wreck roof

The theft was described as "disastrous" for the museum

Museum artefacts have been moved to safety after lead was stripped from its roof leaving historical items at risk of damage from the elements.

Volunteers faced a race against time to save objects at Haverfordwest Town Museum, Pembrokeshire, due to the wet weather.

Curator Simon Hancock said it was "disastrous" for the building at Haverfordwest Castle and its artefacts.

Theses include portraits and uniforms dating back centuries.

"It has been imperative to remove all the artefacts so they are not damaged," he said.

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The museum is located in the Grade II-listed prison governor's house at Haverfordwest Castle

Mr Hancock said there had been "considerable water ingress".

"The roof is still not watertight, so efforts are ongoing to ensure this," he added.

The museum is located in the Grade II-listed prison governor's house.

Some of the ceilings "may need to come down" as a result of water damage, Mr Hancock said.

"The police are investigating this incident which has caused serious damage to this fine historic 18th Century building and potentially harmed our precious collection."

Dyfed-Powys Police has been asked to comment

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