All flags and messages stolen from Sheffield World War Two memorial

Tony Foulds, who was a school boy when he saw the B17 bomber Mi-Amigo come down 76 years ago, had been tending to the memorial for decades.

He discovered that items had been stolen from the shrine this morning – including the name card on his wreath that he laid on February 22 to mark the anniversary.

Julia Forrest 57, who is friends with Tony and helps him to take care of the memorial, was shocked to the news.

The former charity shop worker from Fulwood is urging anyone who spotted anything unusual in Endcliffe Park to come forward with information.

“In these troubled times when people are helping their neighbours and everyone’s coming together, I shudder to think how someone could do this most hateful thing.

“Given what’s been stolen I can only assume that it’s some sort of personal vendetta against Tony...perhaps someone so riddled with jealousy that Tony is associated with the memorial at all.

“Tony the man who, thanks to Dan Walker, not only put Sheffield on the worldwide map by bringing the world to Endcliffe Park last February with the spectacular flypast, but more importantly told the world about the brave airmen of Mi Amigo and how they sacrificed themselves so others could live.

“Now someone has totally shattered this 84 year old man who is still coming here three times a week to go to and from the river 15 times a day to fill watering cans up to water the lovely plants and flowers to keep it looking nice.”

Julia urges the thieves to return the stolen items which are of no financial worth but carry sentimental value, as soon as possible.“You ought to be ashamed of yourself...now do the right thing by returning what you stole,” she added.

One of the remaining tributes reads, “To Tony, you make me so proud to be from Sheffield.”

Anyone with information about the theft should call South Yorkshire Police on 101.