Staff at the national park say they are “deeply saddened and appalled” that signs on an “inspiring” walking trail have been stolen in what is thought to be a racially-motivated attack.

Thirteen plaques along the Sussex Heritage Coast on the South Downs from Seaford to Eastbourne were stolen, with offenders using a screwdriver to prise off the plaques. The screws were then screwed back into the posts.

The plaques were linked to 13 audio stories that are part of a new inspiring trail unveiled last year called “We Hear You Now”.

The signposts where the plaques were unscrewedThe signposts where the plaques were unscrewed (Image: SDNPA)

The trail celebrates the connection that local writers of global heritage have with the landscape and has been enjoyed by thousands of people.

As no other plaques were targeted in the area, park staff said they can “sadly only assume that the theft is targeted and racially-motivated”.

It has been reported as such to Sussex Police.

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Tim Slaney, interim chief executive for the South Downs National Park Authority, said: “This is a deeply shocking and appalling crime and we stand in full solidarity with the writers who put their hearts and souls into this project over many years to create a trail that many people have enjoyed. The writers and all our staff are understandably devastated.

“National Parks were created for the benefit of the nation and have always been for everyone to enjoy."

Work has begun to re-instate the plaques.

The plaques are being replacedThe plaques are being replaced (Image: SDNPA)

Sergeant Tom Carter, from the rural crime team at Sussex Police, said: “The expression of the arts is part of what sets us apart as a species. Whether written, sculpted, painted, sung, or performed, art is the interpretation of an artist’s vision.

“While some may see this as merely the theft of pieces of plastic, it is, in reality, the theft of artistic expression.

“The fact that someone chose to steal plaques from this particular trail, which features work by female writers from black and global majority backgrounds, is a detestable act that deprives others of the enjoyment of these incredible works. I urge anyone who witnessed the theft on or around August 29 to contact the police and quote reference 47240172774.”

Anyone with information about the crime should contact Sussex Police on 101.