THIEVES have ripped up paving slabs outside Christ Church in Eccleston.

Police were informed just before 7.40am yesterday, Sunday, February 23, by the church warden who came to open up the Church Lane venue.

St Helens Star:

It is believed to have happened overnight and as these pictures show, huge slabs of York stone were pulled up and removed.

A police spokeswoman said: "We were called by the church warden and told that large slabs of York stone were stolen from the church yard overnight.

St Helens Star:

"Apparently this has happened before, anyone with information is asked to get in touch by calling 101."

Members of the church also took to Facebook via the Christ Church, Eccleston page asking for more information.

St Helens Star:

In a statement the church said: "Friends, if anyone saw a van outside church yesterday evening around 9pm or might have any footage on a dash cam, we would be grateful if you can tell any information to Merseyside Police.

"If anyone has been offered or hears of anyone selling York stone slabs without a reasonable source, again please let the police know. Forgiven."