POLICE are hunting a thief who managed to strip 100 metres of lead from the roof of a historic building close to the centre of York.

The hooded intruder climbed on to the roof of the four-storey Bar Convent and stole the flashing from three parts of the Grade I-listed property.

However he was caught on a CCTV camera at ground level, running backwards and forwards with lead on his shoulders, and the footage has been passed to police.

The incident happened a week ago in the early hours of the morning and the parts affected were the convent chapel, the bed and breakfast accommodation and the lower school of All Saints School.

Local firm William Birch was called in and arranged for the installation of scaffolding to gain access to the roof and carry out temporary repairs, laying down material to prevent water getting in.

It is expected it will take a month to relay the lead flashing in a project costing a five figure sum - however the bill will be covered by insurance.

A police spokesman said an investigation was underway but no arrest had yet been made.