A CHURCH has been left thousands of pounds out of pocket after a bungled lead theft.

Between 3pm on Friday and Sunday morning, a botched attempt to steal lead from the roof of St James’ Church, in St James’ Road, Blackburn,caused damage, allowing rain to seep into the building.

Scaffolding was used in the raid and an estimated £2,000 damage was caused, although no lead was stolen.

Several important meetings for groups in the area had to be cancelled to allow a clean- up operation.

Police are investigating and are appealing for anyone who saw what happened, or who knows who was responsible, to come forward.

PC Phil Needham said: “This will have an extremely detrimental effect on the whole community as the church is used by the neighbourhood.

“This is devastating news as the money was about to be donated to St James’ School to help buy electrical equipment to benefit local children.

“The cash will now have to be spent on repairing the building. I appeal to anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area over the weekend, or who has any information about who was responsible, to contact police.”

Please call 0845 1 25 35 45, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.