Warrington IRA bomb memorial: David Cameron condemns theft

The theft of a plaque put up in memory of two boys who were killed in an IRA bomb attack in Warrington has been condemned by David Cameron.

The metal plaque commemorated Tim Parry, 12, and three-year-old Johnathan Ball, who died when two bombs detonated in the town centre in 1993.

It is believed to have been taken to be sold as scrap for an estimated £30.

MP David Mowat asked the prime minister about legislation to prevent the sale of scrap metal for cash.

Speaking at Prime Minister's Questions, the Warrington Conservative MP said: "The government has already legislated to prevent the sale of scrap metal for cash.

"Would the prime minister consider further legislation that the theft of memorials such as this is an aggravating factor?"

Mr Cameron was sympathetic but he made no commitment on changing the law.

"Everyone remembers the Warrington bomb and the people that died in that bomb," he said.

"He is right to say that we have already legislated and we have made this an offence.

"We're also doing everything we can to sort out the problems of the scrap metal trade.

"I'll look at his suggestion of an aggravated offence, but clearly any court in this sort of circumstance is able to hand out exemplary sentences because of the fact that public justice is important and the public is absolutely appalled by what has happened."

The plaque forms part of the River of Life memorial on Bridge Street, which was opened by the Duchess of Kent in 1996.

Police said it had been stolen between 20 April and 5 May.

The two bombs exploded within a minute of each other on 20 March, 1993.

The first went off outside a Boots store and the second outside a McDonald's in an area crowded with shoppers.

The bombing caused widespread public disgust and led to Tim Parry's father, Colin, creating the Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace.

Mr Parry has described the theft as "soulless, heartless and just very offensive".