Police are hunting thieves who stole a memorial plaque in Shirley.

The plaque commemorates the site where an orphanage used to be, in Primrose Lane.

It was reported missing on April 19, but it is believed to have been stole on or after April 16 when it was last seen in place.

The theft is being investigated by officers from the Shirley Safer Neighbourhoods Team (SNT).

Officers are appealing to the public for any information which can help with their enquiries.

Pc Inez Swaffield, from Shirley SNT, said: "The plaque commemorates where a former orphanage in Shirley once stood and is a very important part of the local history.

"A number of people have told us they are very upset by its disappearance, so we're eager to hear from anyone who might have seen anything suspicious around that area."

Anyone with information can contact Shirley SNT on 0208 721 2469 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.