A landmark Walsall town centre church was sealed off today after allegations of a sexual assault in the grounds.

A corden was set up around St Matthews Church on Church Hill as police looked into the claims. Officers stood guard making sure no-one entered the grounds.

A woman, who has not been identified, made a call to police at around 2.45am today and the area was sealed off throughout the morning. People living near to the church were shocked to discover a police presence close to their homes.

One resident, who did not want to be named, said: “No-one seems to know what has gone on. We do here a lot of shouting on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights but I heard nothing last night.

“I got up at around 6am and saw it was cordoned off.

“You just don’t expect to see a church surrounded with police tape.