Police are appealing for witnesses following the theft of historic paving stones from an historic church near Sandbach.

Sometime between midnight and 4am yesterday (March 3rd) a large number of paving stones were dug up from the path leading up to St Mary's Church in Astbury, causing significant damage to the church grounds.

Part of St Mary's dates to the middle of the 12th century and the church stands prominently in Peel Lane, Astbury near to Glebe Farm.

PC Rob Stordy 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.

"I would urge anyone who may have been travelling through the area and may have noticed anything suspicious or may have dash cam footage to contact us so that we can find those responsible.

"We would also ask people pay particular attention to historic sites such as this when they are out and about, and again report anything suspicious."

Anyone with information should contact Cheshire Police via https://www.cheshire.police.uk/police-forces/cheshire-constabulary/areas/cheshire/about-us/about-us/provide-more-information-about-an-appeal/ quoting IML 1214098.

Alternatively information can be given anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.