Thieves steal from town's Remembrance display

Two metal silhouettes of soldiers have been stolen from a Remembrance display in Halesowen.

The figures were part of a tribute at Earls Island roundabout that had been decorated with more than 1,000 poppies handmade by the community.

Depicting soldiers in different poses, they measured about 6ft (1.8m) by 4ft (1.2m) in size.

West Midlands Police has been approached for comment.

Seven local groups, including Scouts, primary school children and care home residents, were involved in making the poppies from plastic bottles.

Money for the soldier statues was raised by 12 businesses supporting the Royal British Legion, in collaboration with Halesowen BID.

Ellie Hunt, from Halesowen BID, said it was notified by one of the businesses on Saturday that two of the figures had been taken sometime that day.

"This is the society, unfortunately, we're living in now," she said. "You can imagine the devastation that we're feeling and we just want this rectified."

Catherine Keenan, from Halesowen's Royal British Legion branch, said the display was particularly meaningful for her, as both her parents had served in the armed forces.

She described the theft as "upsetting" and "frustrating".

Anyone with information should get in touch and nearby businesses are urged to check CCTV footage.

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