A rock smashed the display case as memorial items were stolen from Manchester United’s Munich disaster tribute

Items taken from memorial

The stolen items included a glass sculpture and medals from the Manchesterplatz memorial. Munich Police said the display case was broken with a rock during the theft, which took place between 08:00 and 13:00 local time on Monday 26 October.

The memorial foundation said the damaged glass was replaced on the same day. Its chair said it was not yet clear exactly how many medals were missing.

Appeal to return tributes

Ifty Ahmed urged those responsible to return the stolen items, saying they mean a great deal to Manchester United supporters and the families of those killed. He told BBC News, “They don't understand the damage that they've caused.” Ahmed added that the theft could not take away the memories held by those connected to the memorial.

Memorial cared for by supporters

Mark Salzmann, chairman of Red Docs Munich, said his mother noticed the damage while driving past. The Bayern Munich supporters' group helps care for the memorial and gathers tributes left by visitors from around the world, placing some in the display case.