Military memorial plaques stolen from churchyard

Two military memorial plaques have been stolen from Christ Church in Luton Road, Chatham

Police are appealing for information after two military memorial plaques were stolen from a churchyard in Kent.

The incident happened at Christ Church in Luton Road, Chatham, between 22:00 BST on Friday and 10:00 on Saturday.

PC Alanya Spiller said the memorials had been in place at the church lychgate for more than 100 years.

"Their loss has had a considerable impact on the local community," she said.

The plaques were stolen from Christ Church in Chatham

Priest in charge, Reverend Andrea Leonard, said community members had expressed their sadness at the loss of the plaques, which included the names of relatives.

She said the theft, which was discovered by church gardener Jonathan Pout, as an example of "pure greed".

Anyone with information about the thefts is urged to contact Kent Police.