Police are investigating after a piece of centuries old Maldon heritage was stolen.

A milestone marker, dating back to the 17th century, has been stolen from near Maldon cemetery in London Road.

In common with many other ancient towns, Maldon was once on a coaching route.

The main road to and from Maldon to London, via Chelmsford, was the obviously named London Road.

At one time there were milestone markers along the route and at every mile.

Over the decades these have disappeared, apart from one outside Embassy Court in the High Street, one near Milestone Barn in Woodham Walter and, until last Wednesday, one near the cemetery.

Historian and town mayor Stephen Nunn said: “How dreadful that after all these years it has been taken.

“Is nothing sacred nowadays?”