Vandals have targeted a historic site in Bolton and damaged precious items on its roof.

Smithills Hall was damaged and finials were removed from its roof at the back of the property.

Indentations can be seen on the grass nearby where two of the items fell.

The latest damage comes after residents of Smithills and Halliwell reported gateposts being taken away in September.

The damaged finials were taken away from the hall and are in the process of being repaired.

One person who witnessed the aftermath of the incident last month was ward councillor Roger Hayes who frequently walks in the area with his dog.

He said: “I was here the day after it happened, it was mid November.

“I call them coping stones, two ornamental stones have been pushed.

“We thought they might have fallen but they we it happened it had to have been vandals.

“You can see the indentation where they have fallen.

“I have been walking here for two and a half years.

“It is shocking. There are a lot of vandals around here unfortunately.

“A sign at Smithills Farm was vandalised on the same night.

“I noticed that the same morning as well. I don't know if they went up there to get lead or for something else.

“I think that the police should come up here as often as possible.

“The council tries its best to keep it safe. It is a lovely old building.”

A council spokesperson said: “Visitors to Smithills Hall may have noticed some of the decorative finials are not in their usual place.

“However, the finials are not missing, they are currently with the restorers and will be returned to the building as soon as possible.”

Residents are urged to contact the police if any of these items were stolen.

Smithills Hall is a grade I listed manor house owned by the council.

Early medieval records about the hall was built in 1335. It was opened as a museum in 1963 and in the 1990s it was extended to include some of the Victorian extensions.