Church flooded after new roof lead theft

Thieves have stripped lead from a church in Wolverhampton for the second time in four days, leading to water flooding in through the roof.

The pews of St Michael and All Angels Church in Lower Green, Tettenhall, were today covered in plastic sheeting after it flooded in yesterday's downpours.

It is around the eighth time the church has been targeted by lead thieves in recent years as crooks cash in on soaring scrap prices.

Devastated parishioners spent hours mopping up yesterday, although services were not disrupted.

Rev Richard Reeve said to add to their heartbreak, the church's insurance will only cover around £5,000 of the damage, which it is estimated will run into tens of thousands of pounds.

A major fundraising drive has now been launched to pay for repairs.