The Yorkstone slabs were dug up outside Ormskirk Parish Church in the early hours of Wednesday morning. Police said the theft was one of a spate of "heritage crimes" across Lancashire.

It will obviously now be hard for them to get into church." He said the site, dating back to 1170, was a "key feature" of Ormskirk town centre and the theft had "sadly spoiled the look" of the area.

Ormskirk Parish Church is one of a number in the West Lancashire area believed to have been hit by thieves. Article continues below The latest incident took place late on Monday night or early ...

Parishioners have said they are "dispirited" after paving stones "worth thousands of pounds" were stolen from a church path. The Yorkstone slabs were dug up outside Ormskirk Parish Church in the ...

Parishioners have said they are "dispirited" after paving stones "worth thousands of pounds" were stolen from a church path. The Yorkstone slabs were dug up outside Ormskirk Parish Church in the ...