A WAR veteran’s grave was targeted by thieves who stole a wreath of poppies and a Union Flag.

Lionel Haig died aged 89 in February, but had served as a sergeant in the Royal Fusiliers and fought in Normandy.

He was buried at the Sutton Road cemetery, in Southend, but his carer was shocked to find the items had been stolen when she last visited.

Pam McInally, 71, said as well as war memorabilia, pot plants had also been taken.

She said: “I looked after Lionel for more than 30 years and tend his grave twice a month, but I was horrified by what I saw. I was shocked to see earth had seemed to have been removed. The wreath and plants were gone as well. I was disgusted that anyone could do that.

“Lionel lived in Hampstead with me, but he owned a farm in Southend and bought a plot at the cemetery so he could be buried there.

“He was a sergeant with the Royal Fusiliers and saw active duty in many places, including Normandy. He was very brave.

He got shrapnel in his leg and removed it himself. He got so many medals. It’s awful to think anyone would do this to his grave.”

Ms McInally, who says she reported the theft to cemetery staff, added: “I asked if the grave would be put right, but they didn’t seem to know.”

Southend Council said it was unaware of any vandalism, but believed the sinkage was due to heavy rainfall.

Council leader Ron Woodley said: “We have not so far received any reports of vandalism in any of the council’s three cemeteries, but we will continue to investigate.

“Meanwhile, we can confirm nothing has been moved by the cemetery team.

“However, the recent rainfall has caused some subsidence to this grave, which we will be repairing as soon as possible.”