Gangs strip church roofs

CRIME gangs are targeting the lead in church roofs after scrap prices surged.

One vicar said an overnight raid had left “half the roof open to the sky”.

Rev Hilary Young, of 13th century St Mary the Virgin, Gamlingay, Cambs, said: “It’s distressing.”

The theft will cost £100,000 and follows a raid on 14th century All Saints’ Church in Houghton Conquest, Beds, that will mean a £400,000 bill.

Historic England, police and the scrap industry plan to tackle rogue sellers.