AN investigation has been launched after stone thieves targeted a historic hall, police said.

Officers said 19 stones were stolen from the top of a wall in the grounds of Towneley Hall, in Burnley.

The theft was spotted early yesterday morning by a gardener.

Rita Walsh, the secretary of Towneley Hall Society, said: “It hurts to think that anything has been stole from the hall’s grounds.

“I am disturbed to learn of the theft.

“I hope they find out and catch whoever did it and get them back.

“I am sure they will find out the stones are of some value from the heritage fund.”

Mik Stevens, who often walks his dog in Towneley Park, said he was shocked thieves had targeted the wall.

He said: “I was walking my dog and one of the gardeners was outside and said there was some stones stolen.

“Close to 20 top tipping stones, located on top of the wall.

“I can imagine there is a lot of this type of crimes in the vicinity. It is shocking.”

A police spokesman said the theft occurred between 10pm on Thursday and 7.30am on Friday.

He said: “The crime was reported at 8.20am yesterday..

“Someone had approached a number of cottages in the country park and removed 19 stone slabs.

“We are waiting to hear back with more information.

“An enquiry is ongoing.”

Community leaders urged anyone with information to contact police.

County Cllr Tony Martin, who represents Burnley West, said: “This theft is not surprising because the area around Towneley Hall’s grounds are not secure which makes it easy to steal from them.

“There has been incidents like this in the past and I hope the police catch those responsible.”

The mayor of Burnley, Cllr Howard Baker, said: “It is a terrible thing to happen.

“There is no respect for public property anymore.

“There is not much you can do to protect this property either.

“It is a typical incident of stealing stones which they they can sell onto someone else.”

A Burnley Council spokesman said: “The incident has been reported to the police and we wait to find out what happens from the enquiry.”

Anyone with information about the theft should call police on 101.