IRREPLACEABLE stones have been ripped out of a footpath leading up to historic Castle Hill.

Police are now investigating the theft of about 30 sandstone paving slabs that have been stolen by insolent crooks.

It seems that the stones were taken over the Easter weekend on the footpath leading up to Victoria Tower from Lumb Lane.

It follows recent thefts of stones from hundreds of graves in Edgerton and Slaithwaite cemeteries - though there is no evidence yet that the crimes are linked

A man who lives nearby, but did not want to be identified, believes the Castle Hill heist was carried out by a professional gang.

He reported the incident to police on Saturday evening.

"They're irreplaceable. You can find some that might fit and look the same but it's not the point. They have been there for 100 years at least and in the space of a few days they have just ruined it. It's a bit sad really."

The man said he believed the thieves were selling the stone on for a large profit.

"You can tell because they have taken only the ones that are worth something.

"The operation to lift these stones must have been phenomenal. You're talking four guys and a wagon.

"It looked on Saturday that maybe they were disturbed, because there was a large pile waiting to go. I went up yesterday and they were gone."

Det Con Geraldine Joyce, of Huddersfield CID, said: "If anyone knows of similar thefts of paving slabs or if they know where these paving slabs are going, call 01484 436675."