Police raced to a village church after bystanders spotted two men clambering round on its roof.

A witness phoned police just before 10pm on Sunday, to say they believed two men were stealing lead from the roof of St Mary's Church, West Malling.

A 22-year-old man from Sittingbourne and a 17-year-old boy from East Malling were later arrested on suspicion of stealing lead.

The two are currently being held in police custody while inquiries continue.

Neighbourhood officer, Sgt Justin Watts said: "Churches, schools and office buildings are vulnerable to lead theft because they are occupied for only part of the day.

"I am very grateful to the concerned citizen who reported this and would urge anyone who sees suspicious behaviour near such buildings to contact police so that we can make a timely response and, as in this case, make arrests."