Two landmark Worcestershire churches have been targeted by metal thieves leaving thousands of pounds of damage to the historic buildings.

Police said today the two incidents were linked as the rising price of lead has resulted in a recent upward surge in metal thefts.

Around £5,000 worth of lead was stolen from vestry roofs at St John the Baptist church, in Wolverley, Kidderminster. And lead valued at £500 was taken from St Cassians Church, in Chaddlesley Corbett.

The vicars at both churches say insurers would be on site to assess the damage, made worse by heavy rain earlier this week. The Reverend Geoffrey Shilvock has been in charge for 25 years at St Johns. He said the 237-year-old place of worship had been targeted by lead thefts four times over the last two years.

Police say both thefts happened between October 1-7.

The Reverend John Cox, of St Cassians Church, said theft at the 16th century church was only discovered thanks to rain showers.

Police have also linked these lead attacks with another metal theft.

A wheel barrow containing a computer table and an old bike was stolen from outside a garage in Blakeshall Lane, Wolverley between 9.30am and 9.40am on Wednesday.