Police are appealing for witnesses after thieves stole lead from the roof of a church in Woodstock.

At about 11.30pm on Thursday, police said a member of the public reported seeing a man running through the grounds of St Mary Magdalene Church, in Park Street, getting into a vehicle, and driving away.

When officers arrived at the scene, they discovered three strips of lead had been stolen from the church.

PC Claire Sadler said: “I would urge anyone with information about this theft to come forward and speak to me as soon as possible, so that we can catch the thieves responsible.

“I would also like to hear from anyone who may have seen people acting suspiciously near the church, either on the day or in the days before the theft occurred.”

Anyone with information can contact PC Sadler via the 24-hour Thames Valley Police Enquiry Line on 0845 8 505 505, or alternatively you contact the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.