AN Olympic flag displaying the London 2012 logo has been stolen from Upton-upon-Severn.

The symbolic flag was taken by thieves just hours after it had been triumphantly hoisted in to the air on Sunday as part of a special ceremony to mark the countdown to the London 2012 Games.

Hundreds of spectators watched the flag unfurl during the town’s water festival.

Peter Webb, chairman of Upton’s Tourism and Trade Association, was devastated to discover it was missing on Monday morning.

“The whole town was proud of that flag,” he said.

“It was a symbol of all the hard work and effort we had put into the ceremony.

“On Sunday night, when the fireworks were going off, the flag extended in the wind. It looked fantastic and I was so proud of what we had achieved.

“I’m still hoping the whole thing is a prank and it will be returned.”

Festival organisers were clearing up on Monday morning following Sunday night’s grand firework display when they realised the flagpole was empty. At first they assumed the flag had been removed for safe keeping but, after asking around, realised it had been stolen.

Police believe it was taken some time between 11.30pm on Sunday and 7am on Monday.

A West Mercia Constabulary spokesman said: “It may well be that someone has decided to take it as a ‘souvenir’ from the water festival,” he said. “If so, we would urge them to bring it back.”

A spokesman for London 2012 said a replacement flag would be sent if the original was not handed in.

Anyone with any information about the theft, or where the flag is now, is urged to call police on 08457 444888, quoting 124S/260808.

Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.