by Thom Morris

tmorris@thekmgroup.co.uk

Wearing hoods and balaclavas and hiding on the beach, three men have been arrested on suspicion of stealing lead from the roof of the Leas Cliff Hall.

Police were called to the Folkestone landmark at 4am today after reports of three men acting suspiciously.

Officers arrived and spotted men hiding among the rocks on the seafront.

One was arrested and two ran off but were later caught and metal was found nearby.

The men, all from Folkestone and aged 25, 20 and 17 years old, are in custody.

Inspector Jon Holl said: “Officers were able to get quickly to the Leas after these men were spotted acting suspiciously in the early hours of the morning and we would like to thank the caller who did exactly what we ask – if you see people where they shouldn’t be and around empty buildings then call the police immediately.”

Advice on preventing metal thefts is available at www.kent.police.uk