CALLOUS thieves have stolen lead from the roof of a hospital, causing damage and disruption for patients.

Accrington Victoria Community Hospital, in Haywood Road, was attacked sometime between January 19 and January 29.

It is the second time thieves have targeted the site which provides 24 hour care for patients.

Hospital bosses said the theft has led to water damage to several areas of the building which have had to be closed.

They said it has caused ‘disruption’ to services provided from the areas and has had a ‘knock-on effect’ for patients.

Jimmy Maguire, divisional general manager of estate and facilities for East Lancashire Hospitals Trust, said the hospital had been left ‘extremely shocked’.

He said: “We are extremely shocked and upset that this has happened not once, but twice.

“It is not just a case of the lead being stripped from the roof, but there has also been additional damage done which is extremely costly to repair.

“Internally, the theft has resulted in water damage to several areas of the hospital that have had to be closed.

“The services provided from these areas have therefore been disrupted, having a knock on effect for our patients.

“We will now be increasing security patrols, which while absolutely necessary, will add to the overall cost of the damage.

“We are urging anyone who may have seen anything regarding the theft or has information to contact the police on 101.”

Hyndburn councillor Malcolm Pritchard said: "These thieves are the lowest of the low targeting a much-loved and very popular community hospital."

It is asking residents to be vigilant after the incident.

A Lancashire Police spokeswoman said: “We have received one report of a large quantity of lead flashing being stolen from the hospital’s roof.

“This happened sometime between January 19 and January 29.”