�Brass plaques attached to benches in memory of the dead have been stolen.

Six out of seven memorials were taken from seats in Colebrooke Row Gardens on Sunday – leaving nothing but rectangles of discoloured wood in place of tributes to residents’ loved ones.

Dog walkers were shocked to discover the thefts at the park, in Colebrooke Row, Islington, on Monday.

‘Disgusting’

Sue Ellis, 61, of Elia Street, a retired healthcare assistant who walks her dog there, said: “It’s disgusting and we were so upset when we found out. There’s no feeling in some people today.”

A 57-year-old Graham Street resident, who did not want to be named, said: “I know someone who died and had their name on one of these benches. How could anyone be so low? It’s an absolute disgrace. They’re feeding off the dead.”

Residents said the only one left was the most recently installed, and wondered if it had been fixed more firmly.

The plaques cost about �100 each to install, but Islington Council said they have “very little scrap metal value”.

It also said metal theft is not a big problem in the borough, although 10 drain covers have been stolen in the past year.

Cllr Paul Smith, executive member for the environment, said: “We are very sorry to hear brass plaques have been stolen from benches. This is the first time this has been reported in Islington.

“While there is very little scrap metal value to these plaques, they are of enormous value to those who have them to remember loved ones by.

“If residents have any concerns about a memorial plaque they’ve had made in the past, please get in touch.”