'SICK' vandals tried to prise off a bronze plaque from a Darwen war memorial.

It is thought the yob was attempting to steal the plaque, which faces the play area in Bold Venture Park, so they could sell it on as scrap.

The stone on one corner of the plaque depicting soldiers and nurses who took part in the First World War has been left damaged thanks to the attempt with a crowbar or chisel to remove the metal.

Now residents are worried that the memorial will become a target for scrap metals thieves.

There have been a number of incidents across East Lancashire prompted by the soaring price of scrap metal, including the thieves who chopped down a telephone pole and others who stole manhole covers.

On the war memorial vandalism, Coun Dave Hollings, for the Sunnyhurst ward, said: "It is completely disgraceful. The war memorial is to honour the people who have fought and died in the war for this country.

"It is disgraceful it looks like the vandals were trying to take the metal to sell it for scrap.

"They should show some respect to the people who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

"It's sickening. I have written to the police informing them of it."

Julie Manton, secretary of the Friends of Bold Venture Park, said: "It's evident from damage to the stone that someone has tried to remove the metal, probably using a large chisel or crowbar.

"Thankfully the metal is attached in such a way that it can't be removed easily but we are worried that the vandals who attempted this theft might come back with more specialised equipment.

"Someone saw a chance to make some money.

"It is saddening and it is disappointing especially for those whose family members lost their lives in the Great War.

"The park does suffer from some vandalism but you wouldn't expect the plaques to be stolen."

Bold Venture Park opened in 1889. The war memorial close to the main entrance was unveiled in 1921 and stands symbolically for the five years of World War I, on five stone steps.

The park is now Grade II listed in the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens.