Police have appealed for information after thieves stripped a large quantity of lead from a church roof in Kirby-le-Soken.

The theft happened at St Michael’s Church in The Street between 6pm on September 13 and 9am the following morning.

The lead, measuring 16 metres by two metres, was valued at £2,000.

Investigating officer, Pc Rob Binnington, said: “A vehicle was driven into the church grounds, across several graves and then loaded with the lead from the roof.

“This amount of lead would have weighed a considerable amount and there is evidence to suggest that the vehicle used in its removal would have been noticeably overloaded.”

The theft is also being linked to a burglary nearby in which a £2,000 combination boiler was taken. The break-in was at Ye Olde Red Lion pub, also in The Street, on either the same night or following night.

The pub was closed for renovation and the new boiler had only just been fitted.

Pc Binnington added: “I would like to hear from anyone that saw anything suspicious in the area in the days leading up to and on the night in question.

“I would also ask local residents to keep an eye out for suspicious activity in rural areas now the nights are drawing in and request that they call police if they do see anything out of place.”

Anyone with information should contact Pc Binnington at Harwich police station on 101.