A GAS leak at a church near Malvern could have led to an explosion after vandals stole a 20m copper pipe.

The thieves broke in to one of the community buildings on Old Street in Upton on Seven, which left the church rooms without heating.

Stealing the pipe left gas pouring into the air that miraculously didn't lead to a fire or explosion that could have caused damage to surrounding homes.

The incident reportedly took place on the morning of January 17 between the hours of approximately 1 and 7am.

The building is now back in use after the gas pipe was reconnected and the heating restored.

Reverend Barry Unwin, vicar at Upton Parish Church, said: "We are extremely frustrated by the damage by the people that caused it and we strongly encourage them to hand themselves in.

"We are enormously grateful to Cadent, and Ryan the engineer, for replacing the damage that was caused.

"The gas was smelled by a neighbour that  morning and we are extremely thankful that it didn't lead to a far worse incident."