Residents have described the vandalism as an act of desecration.

The pair are thought to have been trying to steal the stone from around the village memorial when they were disturbed.

A nearby resident had alerted authorities after hearing them last Monday.

Pam Nancarrow, 72, of Burnley Road, Luddenden Foot, said: "I just can't put into words my disgust at someone who would try to steal part of a memorial.

"It's absolutely outrageous – as bad as it gets quite frankly. It's an act of desecration, an abomination.

"I was walking my dog on Monday morning when I noticed the stones had been removed and stacked up and when I found out what happened I was incandescent with rage. It's awful."

The stones that had been torn up have since been collected by Calderdale Council officials and are now in safe keeping.

Police said they were hunting the men. A spokesman said: "The stones were left stacked up against the wall and were not taken so it is not clear if they were removed for criminal or legitimate purposes.

"Officers have been making extensive inquiries to speak to the owners of the land to see if legitimate business was taking place or if indeed criminal activity was occurring.

"However, officers do believe that the stones were being removed illegally and are warning residents to be on their guard as there have been some recent thefts of high value paving slabs in the area."