Ashington man arrested over church lead theft

Posted by The Journal on Mar 11, 10 11:53 AM in News

St Cuthbert's Church, Bedlington Police investigating a church roof raid have arrested a 37-year-old man.

The raid took place at around 2.30am last Tuesday when up to three thieves used the cover of darkness to strike at a Grade II-listed Northumberland church.

The thieves stripped away about 25m of lead flashing, a large sheet of lead and other smaller pieces of metal from the roof of St Cuthbert's Church in Bedlington .

Parishioners at were left "sickened" by the ÃÂ£3,500 damage to roof slates, which left part of the church open to the elements

Witnesses reported seeing three men loading bags into a small silver hatchback car near the church at around the same time.

The arrested man, from the Ashington area, has been released on bail pending further enquiries into the incident.

Trevor Weldon, one of the church wardens at St Cuthbert's, said: "People are very, very upset because this is a beautiful, Grade II-listed building in a conservation area, and we work very hard to keep the church going and in good repair.

"It really sickens people to the pit of their stomach to experience something like this, which is just wanton greed for money."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Northumbria Police on 03456 043043 ext 69191 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

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