HEARTLESS vandals stole a bayonet worth around £150 from the war memorial in Mercer Park, Clayton-le-Moors.
It had been bolted on to replace the original blade stolen by yobs years ago.
The park's statue of a soldier commemorates those who died in the First World War, Second World War and the Korean War of 1950 to 1953.
The original bayonet was stolen by vandals and for years the statue stood without its pride and joy.
In November last year, Clayton's branch of the Royal British Legion had a replacement made by Accrington-based Frankland and Duxbury in time for the Remembrance Day celebrations. Now that, too, has been stolen.
Ricky Reed, secretary of the Legion, said: "I am very annoyed about this. We had the bayonet made from bronze and it is an authentic replica of a First World War bayonet.
"It is just a sign of people's disrespect for those who died in the wars. It is very depressing to think that someone has done this.
"I am not sure when the original bayonet was stolen but it was a good 10 or 15 years ago. The original plates on the statue with the names of the people who were killed were made of bronze and they were stolen years ago as well."
Councillor Tim O'Kane said: "This is a public memorial to those who died in the wars and the loss of the bayonet is a public loss.
"The people who took it obviously don't realise how important it is and we would definitely like it back.
"I hope someone sees sense and returns it."
