Damage has been caused to Staunton Harold Church - with thieves also taking lead from the 17th century building.

North West Leicestershire Police revealed the incident on their Facebook page and a number of people posted their anger at what had happened.

Photos showed a large chunk was missing from the outside of the church.

Officers were making rural patrols in the area and made a second visit to Staunton Harold.

They posted: "Rural patrols around a number of local farms following recent thefts of livestock in adjoining counties.

"And a follow up visit and enquiries in Staunton Harold after lead was stolen from the Church along with damage being caused."

The church has barely altered since it was built in 1653 with the Staunton Harold website describing it as an 'Imposing church built, with a fine panelled interior."

It is one of the few churches built between the outbreak of the English Civil War and the Restoration period.

And the response to the Police's post from people showed genuine disgust that the damage had been caused at the National Trust property which is currently closed to the public due to the Coronavirus outbreak.

One comment read: "Awful truly despicable people about; opportunistic and ruin things for everyone else! Makes my blood boil."

Another posted: "How sad. This is one of the finest churches in the country. It's quite unique. I hope you catch those responsible."

And another asked: "How will this affect the fabulous ceiling inside? Can't understand the mentality of these people!"

The Staunton Harold Website says the church was built for Sir Robert Shirley between 1653 and 1655 in Gothic style, the Chapel of Holy Trinity is the estate church at Staunton Harold, where the Shirleys, their retainers and estate workers lived for generations.

Last week, police had to tell occupants of a suspicious vehicle to leave the area after being spotted outside a farm in Lount. The car was not registered locally [L]https://ashby.nub.news/n/police-tell-occupants-of-suspicious-vehicle-spotted-near-ashby-farm-to-leave-the-area[L+]Police in exchange with occupants of suspicious vehicle[L]