Thieves steal metal railings from Market Harborough cemetery

The metal railings surrounding the grave were thought to be about 90-years old

Ornate metal railings surrounding a grave have been stolen from a cemetery in Leicestershire.

The railings, which are almost 90-years old, were taken from the graveyard in Northampton Road, Market Harborough, over the weekend.

The local council has described the theft as "appalling and callous" and has urged anyone with information to contact police.

The authority is now trying to contact the relatives of the deceased.

Councillor Phil Knowles said "It seems that someone came down over the weekend and used a piece of masonry from another grave to smash the railings.

"People in the community would look at this and say this is where you expect your loved ones to rest in peace.

"It really is a sad and disgusting day when people come in here and desecrate graves in this way," he said.

The council said the metal was probably worth between £200-£300 in scrap value.