A Walsall church was flooded today after thieves stole hundreds of pounds worth of lead from its roof. The raiders left a gaping hole in the roof of St Luke’s Church.

Members of the church in Selbourne Street were mopping up the aftermath of the attack this morning.

Raiders stole five 8ft long strips of lead from the roof, leaving a hole into which last night’s torrential rain poured through and flooded the ladies toilets.

It is the latest in a string of attacks at the church, which has also had its windows smashed and walls daubed with graffiti. The church is now considering installing CCTV in a bid to stop criminals targeting it.

Warden Val McCormack said: “I am totally at the end of my tether. I was heartbroken when I saw the damage to the roof and the toilets flooded. We have been a constant target with windows being broken and obscene graffiti daubed on the walls of the church. 

“We are looking into the possibility of getting CCTV but it is just so expensive.”

Churches across Walsall are upping their security after repeatedly being targeted by thieves cashing in on the rising price of metal.

St Mary’s Roman Catholic Church at Vicarage Walk has installed cameras after lead was taken and bronze designs stolen from graves.