GRIEVING families were left devastated after sneak thieves stole metal memorial plaques dedicated to their loved ones.

Nearly 200 plaques were ripped off the wall of the memorial garden of St Mary’s Church, Mirfield.

The garden is used by mourners as a place to spread the ashes of their loved ones.

A small brass or copper plaque is then placed on the wall in their memory.

A 26-year old man was arrested on Sunday afternoon while a 37-year-old man was detained by police yesterday in connection with the theft.

The 26-year old has since been bailed pending further enquiries while the 37-year old remains in police custody.

Priest in charge of Mirfield Team Parish the Rev Hugh Baker said: “People are truly sickened.

“They have likened it to being kicked in the stomach. They feel like something really bad has been done here.

“It’s bad enough that metal theft is going on but the fact that somebody feels they can take things that have such sentimental value.

“Behind every one of those plaques is a family so this affects a huge number of people and having spoken to some of the families, they are really very upset.

“We think the 168 plaques were jemmied off the wall and taken away from the garden, possibly on Friday night.”