CHERISHED medals have been snatched by thieves after a Manchester United Munich air disaster memorial was vandalised.
Eight Old Trafford stars were among 23 people in a plane crash on February 6, 1958.
And a display case at , where the catastrophe took place, has been vandalised.
Munich Police say the glass was smashed with a stone, with the incident believed to have happened on Monday.
Robbers escaped from the tribute to fallen United heroes, which was previously visited by Red Devils skipper , with unique medals and a glass sculpture.
And Manchester Munich Memorial Foundation chair Ifty Ahmed released an emotional statement following the theft.
He said: “The Manchester Munich Memorial Foundation is deeply saddened by this act of vandalism and theft.
“Manchesterplatz is a place of enormous significance to the families of the 23 people who lost their lives as a result of the Munich air disaster, and to supporters across the world.
“We are particularly grateful to our friends in Munich, especially the Red Docs, for their continued care and dedication to this very special place, and for acting so swiftly to repair the damage.
“Those responsible may have damaged a display case and stolen treasured items, but they cannot steal our memories, diminish our friendship or destroy the legacy of those we remember.
“Their memory will endure, and the bond between Manchester and Munich will remain unbreakable.”
The Manchester Munich Memorial Foundation paid to repair the broken glass window on the same day despite offering to foot the bill.
And Red Devils fans raced onto social media to hit out at the shameless vandals.
One said: “This is simply mindless and a disgusting, disrespectful act. Hopefully those responsible are caught very soon and face the full force of the law.”
Another added: “Stealing from a memorial to people who lost their lives is a new low, hope every item is recovered.”
A third furious supporter chimed in: “I knew this had been attacked in some way but to actually steal from this on top of that – horrible.”
A fourth noted: “Whoever has done this is the lowest of the low.”
And a fifth simply wrote: “Unacceptable.”
A memorial stone was first in 2004, before a display case was later added.
Close to 1,500 people attended the annual remembrance service at the site in February.
