Thieves have targeted RAF war graves at St Michael’s Church in Shotwick Village.

Graves belonging to the 1914-1918 war dead are located in a quiet corner of the churchyard at St Michael’s.

Parishioners have recently discovered that thieves have removed one of the gravestones belonging to Second Lieutenant H E K Bray of the Royal Air Force who was killed on July 9, 1918.

The thieves have deliberately broken the headstone in half, taking the bottom portion which is distinctly engraved with a cross.

The gravestone at St Michael's Church in Shotwick before it was damaged
The gravestone at St Michael's Church in Shotwick before it was damaged

Local beat manager PC Paul Barlow said: “This is a particularly heinous crime disrespecting the men that fought so bravely for our country and made the ultimate sacrifice. You would have thought that they and their memory would be allowed to rest in peace.

“I cannot think of a reason why anybody would want to do this or what purpose it would serve. If anybody has any information please contact Cheshire Police on 101 quoting crime reference 0716006363.”