THE THEFT of lead from a church roof has been met with anger and dismay.

Hundreds of pounds worth of damage was caused at Joseph’s Catholic Church, in Ingrow, Keighley.

The criminals ripped off slate tiles to get at lead flashing, allowing water from last week’s torrential rain to get into the church’s Lady Chapel.

Custodians of the church say this is the third time the building has been singled out by lead thieves in five years.

St Joseph’s priest, Father Dennis Cassidy, said: “There’s a need for increased vigilance by us all. Local people should call the police if they see anyone damaging any of our places of worship. St Joseph’s isn’t just a beautiful neo-Norman church – it’s part of Ingrow’s history and heritage. Those who commit this sort of crime are not just harming a building, they’re harming our whole community. Our church is a landmark for lots of local people and one of the places where we, their Catholic friends and neighbours, will continue to pray for them and for the world – and even for the thieves. An alarm system will be put in place for the roof. The materials to seal the church roof will be an alternative to the lead that was stolen.”

Father Cassidy said one estimate for the cost of repairing the damage had quoted a sum of £1,500. He said the gaps in the roof had been temporarily patched up.

After photos of the damage were posted on social media, people hit out at those responsible. One person said: “My mum worked hard to raise money to repair that roof, and donations at her funeral 18 years ago went a long way to getting it fixed. This news is so sad and very upsetting.”

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said it is thought the theft happened some time between 12.25pm on May 31 and midnight on June 7.

Sergeant Chris Watson, of Keighley Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “It is possible someone within the community has seen this lead being removed, but at the time didn’t realise it was a suspicious incident.

“I would urge residents to be on the look-out for suspicious activity and contact officers if they have any information.”

Witnesses should call Keighley Neighbourhood Policing Team on 101, quoting reference 13170258024.