A MEMORIAL anvil placed in a Kent graveyard in memory of a local blacksmith has been stolen.

Police are appealing for information after the tribute was taken from a grave at Cranbrook cemetery sometime between February 22 and 28.

The anvil had tools welded to the top of it and had been on the local blacksmith’s grave since the 1960’s.

Neighbourhood police officer Sgt Ray Masters said: ‘It is very sad that something so personal as a memorial paying tribute to someone’s life and work can be treated with so little respect.

“The assumption we have to make is that it has been taken for the value of the metal.

“If anyone has any information about what has happened to the anvil or has seen anyone acting suspiciously in the area of the cemetery I would urge them to contact police.’

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 01732 379217 or Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.