Residents left fuming after century-old church vandalised by thieves

Thieves stole lead from the roof of St Peter’s Church in Spelthorne, damaging the 132-year-old building and leaving its porch roof needing replacement. The theft has angered residents and brought fresh concern about crime in the area, while prompting a local fundraising appeal for repairs.

A GoFundMe page says the Church of England parish must raise money locally to maintain its building, with repair costs expected to run into thousands of pounds. Councillor Harry Boparai called the theft “a new low” and praised residents, including a roofer who offered help. He also recalled that four of eight “Tommy” silhouettes installed as a tribute to fallen service personnel were damaged or stolen; police have identified a suspect in that vandalism who remains at large.