STONE flags have been stolen from a churchyard.

Police were called to St Wilfrid's Church in Ribchester on Sunday after churchgoers discovered several stone flags had been ripped up from within the grounds.

A church spokesman said: "Sadly on Sunday evening between 7:30pm and 8:30pm, a number of stone flags were stolen from the church pathways.

"We have CCTV footage, showing a van thought to be a Peugeot Partner, parked behind Ribchester Village Hall.

"Fiat and Citroen do a similar model too.

"There were two men, one in a high-vis jacket.

"The theft has naturally been reported to the police and we'd encourage anyone with any information to contact them. "Sorry for the inconvenience to those who walk on the path."

The church dates back to the 13th century, built on a site close to that of a Roman fort, Bremetennacum.

A police spokesman said: "We are aware of the theft of stone flags from St Wilfrid’s Church yard on Sunday evening.

"Enquiries are on-going to identify the persons involved.

"Officers have seen the stills of the CCTV and are in the process of recovering the CCTV footage to review fully and try and identify the registration of the vehicle involved.

"Anyone with any CCTV nearby or any information are encouraged to contact police on 101.

"As always, thank you for your support."