A Wirral war hero’s name has been besmirched by thieves who stole signs marking a stretch of New Brighton promenade renamed in his honour.

Lieutenant Commander Ian Fraser, who died two years ago, was awarded the Victoria Cross for “courage and determination” in World War II.

The new Kings Parade promenade was officially named Ian Fraser Walk at a ceremony last year attended by his widow and family.

The promenade was one of Ian’s favourite beauty spots and he and his family spent many summers at the resort.

The theft of two of the three plaques has sent shock waves across the resort.

Ian’s daughter-in-law Leah Fraser said: “We are all shocked that thieves would steal something that was dedicated to someone who did so much to serve his country.

“Ian Fraser loved Wallasey and I believe many of his friends and people who knew him will be saddened and angry by the actions of these thieves.”

Ian received the highest military accolade for an underwater midget submarine attack he made on the Japanese warship Takao in 1945.

His Victoria Cross citation read: “The courage and determination of Lt Cmdr Fraser are beyond all praise.”

Members of the Fraser family, including Ian’s widow Melba, along with well-wishers attended the official opening of the walk last year.

Wirral’s then mayor Cllr Alan Jennings unveiled the sign which confirmed the renaming of the promenade stretch “in commemoration of Lt Cmdr Ian Edward Fraser VC, DSC, RD and Bar, JP.”

The mayor said at the ceremony: “Throughout his life Ian supported and gave of his time freely to many voluntary organisations and was a lifelong supporter of the Lifeboat Service.

“He was also an extremely successful businessman and made an enormous contribution to public life here in Wirral.“

Ian Fraser became a magistrate in Wallasey in 1957, retiring from the Wirral Bench in 1992.

In May 1993 he was granted the Freedom of the Borough by Wirral Council, for his exceptional contribution to public life.