LEADERS in the community have reacted angrily after a plaque from the River of Life memorial was stolen.

The commemorative symbol depicts the town’s tribute to Tim Parry and Johnathan Ball, who died in the IRA bomb in 1993.

The Bishop of Warrington, The Rt Rev Richard Blackburn, has condemned those responsible for the ‘appalling’ theft.

He said: ““This is senseless vandalism grieving not only the families but the whole community. I appeal to all who have any information to assist the Police and help take this investigation forward. My prayers are with the families as they cope with this appalling news.”

MEP Brian Simpson also hit out at the disturbing crime. He said: “I am disgusted that anyone could stoop so low, despite the desperate economic climate.

“I was in town on the day of the bombing and it is something I shall never forget.

“This reinforces my belief that scrap merchants should be better regulated and weed out rogue dealers.”

And David Mowat, Warrington South MP, also condemned the crime.

He added: "I am shocked and repulsed by how low these mindless vandals have stooped.

"The River of Life project commemorates a horrific attack which cost the lives of two young boys.

“As a piece of metal, it can’t have been worth more than about 30 quid, 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 urge them to contact the police so that whoever is responsible can face the full force of the law.”

Helen Jones, Warrington North MP, said: "This is a despicable crime which must cause real pain to the families of both the boys who were killed and the many people injured in the Warrington bombing.

"I am proud of the way Warrington reacted to the bombing by trying to support constructive work for peace and this theft must impact on the whole town.

"Anyone who knows anything about it should get in touch with the police immediately."

Police are vague about when the plaque was removed but believe it was sometime between April 20 and May 5.

An arrest has yet to be made and they are appealing for witnesses.

Anyone with information can call police on 101.

The theft follows an incident on April 21 when Spartakas Grachauskas was arrested for attempting to steal a different part of the memorial.

He is due at Manchester Crown Court on Wednesday.