A pensioner was struck over the head as he tried to stop two youths stealing lead from a church roof.

Police are appealing for witnesses after the 73-year-old man was assaulted at St Nicholas' Church in Tackley at 3pm on Saturday.

He confronted the youths after seeing them steal lead but they responded by hitting him with a lump of wood.

It is believed the pair left in a white Volkswagen Golf or Polo.

The elderly man was taken to hospital with bruising to the back of his head, but was discharged.

The first youth, who was responsible for the assault, is in his late teens, 5ft 10ins and medium build.

He was wearing a dark blue beanie hat, a dark blue anorak and dark coloured tracksuit bottoms.

The second youth, also in his late teens, is 5ft 7ins, chubby and was wearing a blue anorak and tracksuit bottoms.

Pc Lee Forrest said: "This type of attack would have been nasty whatever the circumstances, but that it was on an elderly man outside a church makes this particularly distasteful.

"I'm hoping someone in Tackley may have seen something on Saturday afternoon - perhaps these youths hanging around or this old white car. If you did, please get in touch and help us catch these violent thieves.

"Nationally we are seeing an increase in metal thefts and it is important for local residents to keep their eye on buildings in their neighbourhood - look out for any unexpected building-type work going on.

"But I would recommend that if you do see something suspicious, please don't try and tackle them yourself - call the police immediately."

Anyone with information should call police on 08458 505505 or speak anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.