Conisbrough war memorial damaged by thieves

The war memorial is located in the town's castle grounds

A war memorial has been damaged by thieves who tried to steal a large brass plaque from it.

Police in Conisbrough, South Yorkshire said the plaque was left badly damaged on the ground after the thieves prised it off the stone memorial with a crowbar.

Three men were seen running from the scene after being disturbed by a passing police patrol.

The incident took place in the early hours of Thursday.

Insp Ray Mountford, from the West Safer Neighbourhood Teams, said "these individuals have desecrated the honour of the people who fought and lost their lives for this country".

He added: "There has been no regard or respect to what these plaques represent, or mean to the local community.

"I would urge anyone who may have any information as to who was involved or who may have witnessed anything, to please come forwards."