The roof of a village church was left leaking after lead was stolen from it over the weekend, in what the canon describes as an ‘attack on the community’.

Police were called on Monday morning after reports that the lead from the roof of St Peter and St Paul in Steeple Morden had been stolen over night.

Canon Shamus Williams said: “The theft of lead from Steeple Morden church is naturally distressing to us, and it feels like an attack on the whole community, as people use the church not only for regular Sunday worship, but come together in the building at important milestones in family life such as baptisms, weddings and funerals, as well as at national events such as Remembrance Sunday.

“Those who commit such crimes should realise they are damaging not simply the building, but community life too.

“It will be very costly and difficult for this small community to repair the damage done, but we go forward trusting in God’s love.”

The leaks caused water to enter the church, and the roof will be expensive to repair.

People wishing to donate to help fund repair work can text ‘SMPC01 £10’ to 70070.

This would result in a £10... donation being forwarded to the parish church – so if you want to donate a different amount, £10 can be £1, 2, 3, 4 or 5.

You can contact the church directly for alternative ways to donate.

Anyone with information about the theft should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through their anonymous online form at crimestoppers-uk.org.