A haul of Yorkshire stone flags has been discovered in the garden of a Bradford house by police investigating a spate of thefts, including the lifting of gravestones from the Old Bell Chapel, Thornton.

Officers found 50 slabs at an address in Northcliffe Avenue, Thornton, following information on the theft of flags from Prospect Mill, Thornton.

A 21-year-old man has been arrested and released on bail pending further inquiries.

Ward Councillor Michael McCabe (Con, Thornton & Allerton) said: “Somehow this is an emotional sort of crime because it’s irreplaceable pieces of Yorkshire which are being stolen.

“Obviously it is early days in terms of exactly where these came from, but this is certainly a great step forward in cracking down on what has become a real menace across the Bradford district and beyond.”

Police are investigating the thefts of three gravestones last month at the Old Bell Chapel, which has strong links to the Brontes who were born in the village. Thieves have also taken flagstones from Market Street.

Sergeant Alex Artis, of the North Bradford Neighbour-hood Policing Team, said: "We would urge members of the community to contact us should they witness any suspicious activity, noting down the registration of the vehicle that is transporting stone and any descriptions of those removing it. This is particularly relevant in areas where stone has been previously stolen and it will help us in tackling any potential offences.

“Thieves may try to pass themselves off as official workmen wearing hard hats and high visibility vests.

“However, if residents tell us when they see stone being taken, we can check out their identification and ensure they are legitimate.”

He urged people with information to call the non emergency number 101.

Church warden Steven Stanworth is trying to raise funds to increase security at the Old Bell Chapel at which 400th anniversary events have taken place this year.

He is also still trying to track down descendants of those whose headstones were taken and they include a Mary Ann Dobson, who died in 1853, and whose parents, Hannah Abbott and James Abbott, died in 1857 and 1875 respectively.

The second was for John and Mary Pickles and children who died in the 1800s.