THIEVES who tried to steal lead from the roof of a Bolton town centre bar could have caused as much as £20,000 worth of damage.

Just £50 worth of lead was removed, but the effects were devastating, said the manager of Blind Tiger in Nelson Square.

The bar was one of at least two that were targeted this week when thieves pulled up the lead lining of the roof in an early hours attack.

The removal of the lead, combined with overnight rain, meant the attic of the bar flooded, along with the three floors below.

Pictures show areas of the bar with standing water as a result of the vandalism.

The thieves left empty handed after they were disturbed by a member of staff from another nearby business and fled the scene.

Manager at Blind Tiger, James Morris, estimated that the lead they tried to steal was worth about £50 but the damage could cost as much as £20,000.

He said: “They have taken the lead off the roof in the night. The damage is at least £10,000, but it could be as much as £20,000.

“It is devastating. It is £50 worth of lead and they didn’t even get away with it.”

The insurance company visited the bar and made the property watertight and the lead is now being replaced with an alternative.

Despite the damage and disruption caused by the leak, staff have been working around the clock to make sure that the bar can open as normal for people this weekend.

Mr Morris said: “We’re just trying to get everything sorted so we can open. We’ve got some brilliant bands on.”

Mr Morris said he had since heard that other bars and properties around the area had been targeted and warned other businesses to be on alert.

The previous night, Monday, The Spinning Mule, also in Nelson Square, was targeted by lead thieves and had to close for repairs.

The pub was back up and running again but was hit again by lead thieves overnight on Thursday and even more damage was caused.

Teams are working to dry the pub out as they aim to reopen in time for the weekend.

Lead thefts are fairly common and thieves often target churches and school buildings.

Since 2013, all scrap metal dealers must verify the name and address of the seller at sale point as part of a government policy which looked to stop lead thefts.

Mr Morris reported the incident to the police and anyone with information should call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.