There are no words to describe the utter contempt for thieves who will stoop so low as to steal from a hospice caring for the terminally ill.

The Marie Curie Hospice in Maudsley Street, Barkerend, has now been hit three times by contemptible crooks who are stealing lead from the roof.

And while the value of the material is only a matter of a few pounds, the sad fact is the cost to the hospice in repair bills is likely to be £8,000.

As manager Elaine Hill says, all those involved with this hospice want to do is devote their time, effort and money to caring for local people with terminal illness.

These thefts divert from this purpose and effectively take money away from patients who need it most.

With costs of running the hospice coming in at £5,562 per day, having to find this sum for repairs will have a real impact.

Marie Curie is currently trying to expand the services it offers for those with terminal illness, and this kind of theft is the last thing it needs.

The Bishop of Bradford’s description of those responsible as heartless is absolutely spot-on; there can be no excuses offered for these despicable crimes.

As he says, this is a place dedicated to the physical, emotional and spiritual care of patients, caring for people from all cultures and communities.

Police have issued CCTV of one suspect they believe might be involved.

If you know who this is, we would urge you to come forward. Those responsible for this sick theft must be brought before justice and dealt with appropriately.