Thieves have stolen a huge £6,000 bronze bell from St Oswald's Church in North Cheam.

Police are appealing for witnesses and information after the 30lbs instrument disappeared from the church, in Brocks Drive.

The theft was reported to police on Tuesday (September 27) after routine checks.

But because the bell had not been inspected since April this year, the theft could have taken place anytime since then.

The thieves climbed up an 18-foot wall on to the church hall's roof and smashed the bell's cast iron supporting bracket before making off it.

It measures about 1-foot in diameter and has the inscription "John Warner & Sons" stamped on the side.

If you have nay information that could help police enquiries, please contact Sutton Police on 101 quoting ref no: 4011042/11.

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.