News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

paving stones stolen.jpg
Cheshire Constabulary
paving stones stolen.jpg
Cheshire Constabulary
World News

Arrests made after thieves steal church paving slabs

by Sophie Drew

Following a spate of thefts, targeting churches across the North West, police have arrested three men.

Historic paving stones were stolen from outside Astbury's St Mary's Church on March 3. 

In a joint operation between Staffordshire Police, Lancashire Police, Cheshire Constabulary, and Greater Manchester Police, dawn raids were carried out. 

In order to gain access to one of the properties, police cut the door in two. 

Three men were arrested - a 48-year-old man from Oldham is currently in police custody. 

Two other men from Manchester, aged 35 and 27, were also detained and have since been released under investigation.

A Cheshire Police spokesman said: "Today officers have arrested a 48-year-old man from Oldham on suspicion of theft. He is currently in police custody for questioning.

"The arrest formed part of a joint operation with Cheshire Constabulary's rural crime team, Staffordshire Police, Lancashire Police and Greater Manchester Police (GMP).

"Two men, aged 27 and 35, both from Manchester were also arrested on suspicion of theft and have been released under investigation."

Further incidents of paving stone theft have been recorded across the area, but police have not confirmed whether the incidents are linked. 

Churches in Staffordshire, Halsall and Ormskirk all saw valuable slabs stolen within three weeks of each other. 

The damage to St Mary's Church has been described as "significant."
 

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate