A church bell which has been in Dudley for centuries has been stolen after thieves broke into a church grounds.

Officers understand the bell was taken some time between 26th and 28th March from the Vicarage gardens. The bell is thought to be over 200 years old and is one of the original church bells from Top Church in Dudley.

The bell was removed from the rafters at Top Church due to safety concerns a number of years ago and moved to the Vicarage gardens and has been situated there ever since.

It is a popular site with visitors and we officers say they are determined to locate the offenders and return the bell to its rightful home.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dudley Police on 101 please quote 20DY/64266N/17