SPECIALIST police officers are appealing for information after lead thieves caused thousands of pounds of damage to a historic building.

Some time between March 29 and 31 the thieves climbed scaffolding and removed lead from the roof of the Temple of Victory, set in the grounds of Allerton Park, at Flaxby near Knaresborough. The damage will cost thousands of pounds to repair.

The 18th-century Palladian-style building is Grade II*-listed and is currently undergoing renovation. It is visible from the A168 and A1(M).

“Repairing the damage caused to heritage assets is expensive, and the cost to communities can often be immeasurable,” said a police spokesman.

  • Anyone with information should contact 101.