THOUSANDS of pounds worth of damage has been caused at a museum by thieves.

Pontypool Museum, home to many original Gwent artefacts, was targeted by thieves this week, who took off with Welsh lead from the roof.

But the damage left by the thieves was made worse when Storm Bronagh struck.

The storm battered the entire country yesterday, with wind travelling at more than 60 mph. As a result of the roof damage, the storm destroyed the building's catalogue office and boiler room.

Museum staff took to social media to vent their anger, saying: "On Tuesday / Wednesday night, these miserable thieves stole lead from the museum roof.

"Last night (Thursday) the wind and rain was so strong and we had power cuts so the curator was out in the early hours to find that the rain had managed to penetrate the emergency repairs that the council had swiftly put on the roof.

"Today the museum’s Friday team of volunteers have had to spend the day mopping up and moving items to safety in other parts of the building. What a dedicated team and well done all.

"So thanks horrible thieves for about £100 worth of lead, you have ruined our catalogue office and our back boiler room and caused £1,000s of damage."

The post added: "Despite this we will be open as usual Saturday and Sunday 1-4."