THIEVES have been condemned for stealing bronze plaques commemorating the men from a parish who died in the First World War.

The two plaques were among four on the base of the memorial at St Oswald's Church, Church Street, Durham City, that contain the names of 90 servicemen who fell.

They were prised off the monument - which was built by public subscription and donation - on Sunday, possibly to be sold for scrap.

The memorial, which features a Calvary cross, was officially unveiled in March 1921 by a woman who lost two sons in the conflict. It was dedicated by the Bishop of Durham, Hensley Henson.

Local historian Michael Richardson, who has produced several books of old pictures of Durham, visited the churchyard after a friend told him of the damage.

He said it looked as if a crowbar or claw hammer had been used as corners of the plaques looked to have been damaged.

"It is terrible, particularly as it is in the run up to Remembrance Day. I am hoping that whoever has taken them has a conscience, that their conscience is pricked and they could leave the plaques somewhere and let someone know.

"The memorial was to 90 men - that's an awful lot from one parish - and there will be people in the area whose relatives are commemorated.''

Priest in Charge , The Rev Peter Kashouris (correct), echoed Mr Richardson's call, saying: "That could be a good solution, that might be a possibility.

"It is very distressing, really, that somebody should do that. It is hard to believe how some people must be living. I don't how much you would get for the bronze plaques.''

"We had a break-in at the church where someone cut themselves and injured themselves just for £2.50. It is beyond belief that people would do that.''

A police spokeswoman urged anyone with information about the offence to get in touch - particularly scrap dealers who might be offered the plaques.

Anyone with information is urged to call police on 0345 60 60 365 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.