THIEVES stole 250 metres of “sturdy” chestnut fencing from St Martin's Church in Chelsfield last night.

Locals say the eight-foot fencing, which surrounded the church's graveyard, disappeared overnight.

Terry Sparks, 72, of Skeet Hill Lane, Orpington, said: "Someone has nicked 250 metres of fencing just like that.

"The posts were four feet in the ground. They're quite sturdy must have just lifted them out.

"It is just as if aliens have been there.

“Whoever did it left no marks or anything.

"They've done quite a professional job, it must have taken about five or six of them.

"I was there at 2pm yesterday afternoon and this morning, when I went up to the churchyard at about 9am, it’s just gone."

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