Manchester United fans have been left heartbroken after thieves in Germany smashed a memorial to the 1958 Munich Air Disaster - and stole priceless 'Busby Babes' memorabilia. German police are investigating after items were taken from a glass display case at Manchesterplatz in Munich, that commemorate the tragedy that killed 23 people, including eight Manchester United players, as the squad returned from a European Cup match in Belgrade. The Manchester Munich Memorial Foundation (MMMF) says it's "deeply saddened" as Munich Police said the case was smashed on Monday with a stone before being plundered. German police sources have indicated that several commemorative medals and a crystal trophy had been taken, although this has yet to be officially confirmed.

The MMMF said Manchester United had offered to pay for repairs, but the foundation had agreed to cover the costs itself. Its chair, Ifty Ahmed, said: "The Manchester Munich Memorial Foundation is deeply saddened by this act of vandalism and theft.

"Manchesterplatz is a place of enormous significance to the families of the 23 people who lost their lives as a result of the Munich Air Disaster, and to Manchester United supporters across the world. Those responsible may have damaged a display case and stolen treasured items, but they cannot steal our memories, diminish our friendship or destroy the legacy of those we remember.

"Their memory will endure, and the bond between Manchester and Munich will remain unbreakable." It is understood that Munich police are in the early stages on their investigation and no arrests have been made.

Mr Ahmed added: "We are particularly grateful to our friends in Munich, especially the Red Docs (a Bayern Munich fan group who help preserve the history of the disaster), for their continued care and dedication to this very special place, and for acting so swiftly to repair the damage."

He said the memorial was particularly important to the families of those who died and Manchester United supporters around the world. The last survivor of the crash - Sir Bobby Charlton - died on 21st October 2023 aged 86. Prior to him, the last surviving player was goalkeeper Harry Gregg - who helped pull survivors from the wreckage - died in 2020.

Munich air disaster: Survivor Harry Gregg remembers victims

Sources said that as soon as United became aware of the damage, they offered their full support to MMMF, including offering to cover the cost of repairs. MMMF, while grateful, said it will cover the cost itself, and the glass has been replaced.

United will send representatives to the MMMF’s fundraising dinner at Old Trafford this evening, and will continue to work closely with the charity on plans for the annual commemorative event at Manchesterplatz in February. The British European Airways Flight 609 crashed on its third attempt to take off at Munich-Riem Airport in West Germany on 6th February 1958.

The plane was carrying the United team - nicknamed the Busby Babes after managed Sir Matt Busby - as well as supporters and journalists. Of the 44 people on board, 20 died at the scene. Three more died in hospital resulting in 23 fatalities and 21 survivors. United players to perish included Duncan Edwards, Eddie Colman, Roger Byrne, Geoff Bent, Mark Jones, David Pegg, Tommy Taylor and Billy Whelan.

Munich air disaster: BBC report from 1958

A memorial stone was installed in 2004, while the glass display case was added in 2020 and officially inaugurated in 2023. Mark Salzmann, chairman of Red Docs Munich, said his mother discovered the damage while driving past.

Salzmann said a glass sculpture originally presented to Munich's former mayor, Dieter Reiter, was among the stolen objects, along with several medals. His group collects tributes left at the memorial by supporters from around the world and places some of them in the display case - with most of the items unique and not easily be replaced.

Salzmann said the messages of support he had received showed the importance of the memorial and the friendship which "will never go away" between the cities of Manchester and Munich.