IT sounded like a heinous crime – stealing parts of a war memorial – but in reality it never actually happened.

Police issued an appeal last week for information following what they said was the theft of an “Eisenhower” plaque and information board from the rugby fields at Portora Royal School.

In reality, the plaque featuring images from World War II and records General Eisenhower’s visit to Fermanagh in preparation for the D Day landings 70 years ago had just been taken away for repairs.

Selwyn Johnston, who was behind the erection of the plaque, unveiled by the U.S. Consul in Northern Ireland, Mr. Gregory Burton back in May, has confirmed that “it wasn’t stolen”.

“The sign had been temporarily removed by the sign company in order to undertake a minor repair and will be reinstated as soon as possible. The sign company has apologised for any confusion that this may have caused.

“The owner actually told me that in all his 20 years in sign making this was the first time a sign he was repairing had been reported stolen,” said Mr. Johnston. A PSNI spokeswoman has also told this newspaper that police are no longer investigating the “crime”.

“There is no further requirement for an appeal regarding the plaque,” she said.