Victorian stone ornaments stolen from school gates

The gates of the school, pictured following the theft, had featured the stone finials since the Victorian era

A pair of Victorian stone ornaments have been stolen from the top of gateposts at a school in Halifax, sparking an appeal for their return.

The theft of the entrance-way finials from the Grade II listed Crossley Heath School took place between 23:00 GMT on Thursday 6 November and 06:00 GMT on Friday 7 November, according to West Yorkshire Police.

A spokesperson for the School said staff and pupils were "saddened" at the theft from a school which had "strong roots in kindness".

"These pillars are an important part of our school's heritage, and we'd be so grateful for our community's help in recovering them," the spokesperson said.

The stone finials, pictured before the theft, were taken overnight on Thursday or Friday, police believe

The finials formed part of the original Crossley and Porter Orphan Home and School buildings, which dated from the 1860s, according to the school.

"The theft [is] particularly saddening as the site has such strong roots in kindness, community and philanthropy and is an important part of Halifax's heritage," the spokesperson said.

Anyone who saw anything suspicious, or who had any information that could help the investigation into the theft of the finials, should contact West Yorkshire Police, they added.

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