Terrified thieves took off in fright from a Dalkeith graveyard after accidentally smashing open a tomb packed full of 600-year-old skeletons.
It has been claimed that the fear-filled robbers were stripping lead from historic St Nicholas Buccleuch Parish Church when their ladder slipped and burst through the ancient lair, reports the Scottish Sun.
The smash opened a tomb and revealed a three foot-deep hole in the ground filled with bones, causing the spooked thieves to flee without their lead.
A ladder and lead rainwater drain were found dumped nearby in Dalkeith, Midlothian.
A Church of Scotland spokesman said: “The graveyard round St Nicholas Buccleuch Parish Church dates back around 600 years.
“A paved area surrounds the building and there is evidence that a metal ladder was placed against a wall, with the feet resting on a slab which broke under a person’s weight, exposing a hole in which historic remains were found.
“While it is unclear if the motivation was theft, office bearers discovered that a lead rainwater drain had been removed from the wall and was found near pieces of the broken slab.
"As soon as the hole was discovered, a local building company was called. A temporary cover was carefully placed over the hole, taking care not to disturb the remains.
“The area was coned off to make people aware that it was a hazard and the police were informed.
“Officers attended and inspected the scene and a member of East Lothian Council’s archaeology service carried out a site visit.
“The council officer advised office bearers to ensure that the bones were not disturbed, kept within the void beneath the hole, and arrange for the broken paving slab to be replaced.
“This work has now been carried out.”
