thieves have stolen flowers and shrubs paid for by community fundraising.

Friends of Bold Venture Park are shocked and upset by the thefts and vandalism over the past week.

The park, off Belgrave Road, Darwen, is maintained and improved by the friends, volunteers who work hard to raise money to improve the area.

It appears the thieves have been targeting plants to put in their own garden. Blue poppies, foxgloves, marigolds, reeds, irises and a tyracantha shrubs are all missing or vandalised.

Friends member Eileen Farnworth, who has planted many of the flowers, said: "People taking them must be gardeners wanting them for their own garden because the whole plant is being taken, including the root. I have planted blue poppies and foxgloves which have all gone except one.

"We planted marigolds, reeds and fancy irises around the ponds and the basket they were in had only been there a few days.

"Someone has also gone off with a tyracantha shrub which is a thorny bush about 3ft high. How you can walk off with that under your coat? Someone must have seen them.

"These plants and flowers are donated to us or paid for by the friends through fundraising so it is upsetting when they're stolen. There are other plants that are being vandalised and flowers are being broken off.

"This year the hyacinths have taken a blow with people picking them and throwing them around."

PC Shelley Lancett, community beat manager for Bold Venture, said: "People need to be vigilant and if they do see anyone acting suspiciously, they should contact the police.

"We are aware of these incidents and are targeting that area and anyone found to be damaging or stealing plants will be dealt with appropriately."