Church thieves leave ancient path looking like this

Police are appealing for witnesses after thieves tore up historic paving stones from a church.

The incident at Astbury's St Mary's Church comes weeks after thieves ripped up stone flags from church grounds in the Moorlands.

Now officers say 'significant funds' will be required to repair the damage caused at the site near Congleton.

It is believed that the thieves struck between midnight and 4am on Thursday, March 3, when a 'large number' of paving stones leading up to the church were dug up.

PC Rob Stordy, of Cheshire Police, said: “The damage is such that the path will be out of use for some time and will need a significant amount of funds to repair.