A HISTORIC church in Wotton has been hit with thousands of pounds worth of damage after being targeted by thieves.
Lead has been stolen from St Mary's Church including the church’s roof and downpipes.
An investigation by Gloucestershire Police has been launched.
Revd Lesley Hewish from Tyndale Benefice expressed concern in a Facebook statement that thieves may return to take more.
She said: “We have been robbed.
“Did you see or hear anything?
“The thieves probably did their work under cover of darkness.
“Did you see anything suspicious happening over the past week?”
She added: “We feel quite shaken and vulnerable with additional fear that they will be back to steal more.
“Please contact us if you have any information that might identify the perpetrators.”
A spokesperson from Gloucestershire Police said: “Police have received a report of lead being stolen from St Mary's Church.
“It was reported that lead pipes had been stolen from the building at some point between 4pm on Monday (May 13) and 5pm yesterday (Tuesday, May 14).
“It was also reported that lead had been stolen from the roof of the building last Friday (May, 10).
“Enquiries are ongoing and anyone with information is asked to complete the following online form quoting incident 125 of May 15.”
You can contact police here - tinyurl.com/4y6mj58t
St Mary's Church is one of the area's oldest churches, consecrated in 1283 by Godfrey Giffard, Bishop of Worcester.
The majority of the church's current structure is thought to have been completed in 1325.
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