Dead young Arsenal fan’s memorial plaque stolen in Hoxton
Tony Davis - Credit: Archant
A memorial plaque dedicated to an eight-year-old boy who was killed in a train accident has been stolen from a Hoxton church.
Tony Davis - Credit: Archant
Young Arsenal fan Tony Davis, who lived in Crondall Court, Hoxton, died in May 1975 as he returned from a school trip.
A wood and brass plaque etched with his name, the Arsenal logo and a message reading “Night, night little Gooner” was placed in the memorial gardens at St John’s Church in Pitfield Street, Hoxton.
It was so his friends and family could pay their respects locally, rather than visiting Finchley Cemetery where he was laid to rest.
His sister, Wendy Wells, 52, visited the spot in March and returned the day after Arsenal’s winning FA cup clash with Hull FC on May 17. The plauque was missing. She and her uncle, Ron Wells, 82, are devastated and have made a heartfelt appeal for its return.
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“To have that plaque stolen is like a stab in the heart,” she said.
“Why would someone steal a little boy’s plaque? It has his age on it. It’s absolutely absurd.
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“Arsenal was his life. He saved up his pocket money each week because he thought you had to pay for the privilege to play for them.
“We still have a pair of his football boots he never got to wear.
“This passion was reflected in the words on his plaque, and I wonder if someone saw this and took it as some form of spite after Arsenal won the cup.
“I don’t know if it’s related to the football, but I just want it back.
“This plaque means a lot to my family and it gives my elderly uncle somewhere he can place flowers for Tony.”
The vicar at St John’s, the Rev Graham Hunter, said: “The loss of this memorial plaque is obviously extremely distressing for the immediate family members.
“Any efforts to recover the plaque would be greatly appreciated.”
Anyone with information should contact the church on 020 7739 9302 or email info@stjohnshoxton.org.uk, or email Ms Wells on wendy891@hotmail.com.
