A Holocaust memorial was unveiled in Harlow to replace a bronze plaque stolen in December.

The dedication ceremony was led by Harlow Reform's Rabbi Irit Shillor, who said: "It is terrible that people were prepared to destroy this memorial for the few pounds they could get. But with this new stone, we have a place where the community can gather to honour the memory of those who have died."

Council leader Andrew Johnson said that "cashing in on the victims of Nazi mass murder is surely a new low. It was important we show the thieves that we will not have our town defaced by their selfish actions."

Local MP Robert Halfon said that if the thieves were apprehended, they should be made to visit Auschwitz.

The new plaque is inscribed with the same words as the original. The council paid for the replacement.