Thieves have taken more than £3,000 worth of roof tiles from Longton Fire Station.

Staff at the station only realised the theft had taken place when it rained overnight on April 27 and they were faced with flooded rooms the next morning.

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service’s Area Commander for Stoke-on-Trent, Wayne Bowcock said: “We are extremely disappointed that anyone would do this to any building, let alone a building that’s sole purpose is to serve the community. We hope someone will come forward with information to help trace the culprits.”

The theft caused £6,000 worth of damage – double what the tiles were actually worth. Since the theft the roof has had to be made watertight again, electricians have been required to repair damaged electrics and heating and several rooms have had to be cleaned and re-decorated.

PC Lisa Joynson at Longton Police Station added: “This theft has been reported to and is being investigated by Staffordshire Police. Anyone with information is asked to contact Longton Police on 0300 123 44 55 or alternatively people can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”