THE parents of IRA bomb victim Tim Parry have hit out in disgust at the
theft of a memorial plaque from Warrington town centre.
The metal plaque – part of the River of Life memorial for the victims of the IRA bombing in Warrington in 1993 – was taken from a wall in Bridge Street sometime between April 20 and May 5.
It was unveiled by the Duchess of Kent when she opened the memorial as a symbol of continuing life.
Colin and Wendy Parry, who lost their 12-year-old son Tim alongside three-year-old Johnathan Ball following the Bridge Street bombing, hit out at the theft saying: “We are disgusted by such an act which defiles a very important memorial to all those injured and killed, for the sake of a few pounds.”
Police are now appealing for the return of the memorial.
PC Graham Davies, of Warrington Town Centre Neighbourhood Policing Unit, said: “We do not know exactly when the plaque was taken but would appeal to anyone who has any information in relation to the theft to come forward.
“This plaque forms part of a memorial and is of great significance to the town. It is upsetting for people to see that the plaque has been taken.
“We would urge anyone who knows the identity of the thief – or the whereabouts of the plaque – to contact us immediately.
“We would also appeal to anyone who may have been offered the plaque for sale to get in touch.”
Warrington South MP David Mowat said: “I am shocked and repulsed by how low these mindless vandals have stooped. The River of Life project commemorates a horrific attach which cost the lives of two your boys.
“As a piece of metal, it can’t have been worth more than about £30, but as a permanent memorial to a tragedy it was an important part of our town’s heritage. If anyone has any information about this plaque, I would urged them to contact the police so that whoever is responsible can face the full force of the law.”
Anyone with any information in relation to the theft is urged to call Cheshire Police on 101.
4 Comments
How can something of such ‘great significance’ be not noticed as missing for a fortnight. A fitting tribute deserves more prominence
I’m quite sure the plaque will be found discarded somewher as it can be of no value to whovever removed it. He could never display it but would have keep it hidden. If he tried to sell it, anyone will know instantly what it is and must inform the police or they are no better than the person who stole it. Should anyone be stupid enough to buy it then he must be jailed for a very long time, and should it be a scrap metal dealer, banned for the rest of his life from continuing in the business.
I agree with the previous comment but also the person should be named and shamed
A full page article on him/her should be printed . I cannot believe that a Warrington person could have done this evil deed.
It is indeed a sad act, it was vandaism for profit but not evil. I would suggest to the MP that pouring petrol through a letterbox, lighting it and murdering children is sinking lower than this and is also evil.