Raiders who stripped lead from the distinctive roof of South Shields Volunteer Life Brigade's 142-year-old watch house, on the South Pier, left behind a trail of devastation.

It is the latest in a series of lead thefts from local buildings, including churches.

The grade II listed building has been the headquarters of the life-saving organisation since it was formed in 1866.

Its unique design and construction is of significant architectural and historical interest.

The removal of the lead, overnight on Monday, caused major damage to the roof and other parts of the building as the thieves threw material down, smashing slates and damaging metal railings, guttering and the weather vane.

The attack has angered brigade officials and members.

Tom Fennelly, honorary secretary of the brigade, said today: "For the sake of the second-hand scrap value of the lead, which is relatively small in comparison to the scale of the damage, these despicable thieves have caused thousands of pounds worth of destruction.

"They have also put at risk one of the finest and most historic buildings in South Tyneside."

Work has started immediately to make the all-wooden building watertight, while insurance assessors and historic buildings experts examine the damage before full repairs and restoration can be carried out.

"The Volunteer Life Brigade relies entirely on voluntary donations and grant aid from various sources to fund its search and rescue work in conjunction with the Coastguard," said Mr Fennelly.

"While this is a major setback, and has deeply angered our members, it will not affect our 24-hour operational readiness to respond to emergencies.

"We will maintain our proud record of 142 years' continuous service to the local community, and we will seek to find the money to repair the damage."

Northumbria Police are investigating the theft, and are examining CCTV footage.

Mr Fennelly said: "Local scrap metal merchants must be aware of the increasing amount of lead being brought in. In this case, it would be very distinctively shaped.

"I would appeal to them to report any suspicious deals to the police."

The Victorian building underwent restoration in 1985-86.

A brand new Welsh slate roof was added in 1999, and with additional restoration work, a total of £125,000 has been spent over the past 20 years to conserve the Watch House to its present standard.