A plaque commemorating the birthplace of Admiral Lord Nelson has been stolen.

Police said the plaque had been taken from outside a home in Creake Road, Burnham Thorpe, at some stage between December 5 and 20. 

Eastern Daily Press: The plaque commemorating Admiral Lord Nelson's birthplace has been stolenThe plaque commemorating Admiral Lord Nelson's birthplace has been stolen (Image: Jamie Campbell)

It had been in place for 63 years and was presented to Burnham Thorpe by the Royal Navy's HMS Tyne.

Jamie Campbell, from Brancaster, said: "It is historic; this is Nelson's county and I am upset that a part of heritage has been lost.

Eastern Daily Press: The unveiling of Lord Nelson's plaque in Burnham ThorpeThe unveiling of Lord Nelson's plaque in Burnham Thorpe (Image: Newsquest/Burnham Thorpe Village Hall)

"It is just a pointless theft, and it is vandalism."

Lord Horatio Nelson was vital in Britain’s sea-faring successes and is regarded as one of the greatest naval commanders in history.

Eastern Daily Press: The unveiling of Lord Nelson's plaque in Burnham ThorpeThe unveiling of Lord Nelson's plaque in Burnham Thorpe (Image: Newsquest/Burnham Thorpe Village Hall)

He was born and raised in Burnham Thorpe and learned to sail around Burnham Overy Staithe and Brancaster.

Anyone who has relevant information or may have seen suspicious activity in the area between the dates stated should contact PC Leah Dennis at Norfolk police.

Call 101 or email leah.dennis2@norfolk.police.uk, quoting crime reference 36/98035/22.

Eastern Daily Press: Eastern Daily Press report of the unveiling of Lord Nelson's plaque in Burnham ThorpeEastern Daily Press report of the unveiling of Lord Nelson's plaque in Burnham Thorpe (Image: Newsquest)

Eastern Daily Press: A plaque commemorating the birthplace of Admiral Lord Nelson has been stolenA plaque commemorating the birthplace of Admiral Lord Nelson has been stolen (Image: Jamie Campbell)