THIEVES HAVE STOLEN a memorial plaque erected to commemorate two boys killed by the IRA Warrington bombing in 1993.

Twelve-year-old Tim Parry and Johnathan Ball aged three died when two bombs exploded in the town centre, injuring 54 people.

Police say that the plaque, which formed part of a memorial erected by the town,was taken some time between 20 April and 5 May.  It is believed to have a scrap metal value of less than £30 (around €37).

Tim Parry’s father said the theft was “soulless, heartless and just very offensive”.

“I find it hard to get into the minds of people who would perform an act like this,” he told the BBC.

“I appreciate many people are desperate for the money and times are hard, but to stoop so low and to do it without at the very least knowing what they are taking, is hard to imagine. Their act is all the more disgusting for that”.

The Bishop of Warrington condemned the thieves responsible for the “appalling” act. ”This is senseless vandalism grieving not only the families but the whole community,” he told the Warrington Guardian.

Police in the northern English town say it was the second time in a matter of weeks that the River of Life memorial was targeted by thieves.

Previously: Names of 3,700 Troubles victims read aloud >