Congleton: Police are appealing for witnesses after historic paving stones were stolen in Astbury.

The slabs were allegedly taken from St Mary's Church in Astbury.

Sometime between midnight and 4am on Thursday 3 March a large number of paving stones had been dug up from the path leading up to the church.

This has causing significant damage to the church grounds.

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 this link quoting IML 1214098.

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

Not to be confused with St Mary's Church on 30 West Road, St Mary's Church in Astbury is Anglican Grade I place of worship.

The interior of the church dates back to the 12th century.

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