Iron gates ripped off church wall

Iron gates at a Warley church were ripped off and a wall destroyed after being hit by a car.

It was originally believed that metal thieves were trying to steal the gates from St Mary's Church, in Bearwood Road, but police now believe the damage was caused by an accidental crash.

Police were called to the church at around 5:50am yesterday following reports that people were attempting to take iron gates from the grounds.

Two men aged 24 and 26 were arrested at the scene on suspicion of theft, but they have now been released without charge.

The pillar supporting the iron gates was demolished after being hit by the car and surrounding brickwork damaged. Neighbouring residents were woken by the sound of the impact and alerted police.

Rev Anthony Perry said the gates had been installed in memory of former churchwarden and chorister Thomas Edward Grant in 1946.

He said: "Up until this morning I thought these people were trying to steal the gates, but it turns out police are satisfied it was careless driving and a case of them failing to stop.

"We have, like many churches, been targeted by metal thieves on a number of occasions. They must have hit the gates at a great speed to cause this much damage.

"The pillar, which was very sturdy and must weigh at least two tons, was demolished by it."

West Midlands Police spokeswoman Debbie Edmonds said: "The men were originally arrested for attempted theft. The investigations has now been closed, and has been recorded as a non stop road traffic collision."