THE mystery crafters behind the stitch bombing of Darlington town centre have spoken of their disappointment after their creations were stolen and vandalised.

Just days after the colourful creations appeared in the town, thieves have already stolen some of the items, including colourful crochet patterns hung from railings and a number bright bollard covers.

A knitted handbag had also been stolen, as well as knitted bunting that had been hung on the Covered Market and a large Christmas-themed patchwork piece draped over a letterbox.

One crocheted panel has also been slashed using a pair of scissors and a decorated bike has been vandalised.

A spokeswoman for the self-titled group, the Darlington Stitch Bombers, said the creative crafters were disappointed with the damage, and urged people to respect their work.

“We are really quite gutted with what has happened, and quite annoyed – some people had spent weeks on their pieces,” she said.

“I think it is quite disrespectful. This is somebody from Darlington who has a complete lack of respect and disregard for the town.

“The only thing we can do to feel positive about it is that they really must have wanted them.

“If they want to have an item like that they can contact me and I will show them how to make it for themselves.”

She also said one lady, who is disabled, had spent weeks making bollard covers with miniature knitted people on, only for them to be stolen before she had chance to see them.

“She messaged me asking if we had put them up as she had gone into town and realised they weren’t there,” she said.

“We have tried to do something to improve Darlington, but we can’t afford to spend money on wool and things only for them to get stolen.”

Their handiwork, which appeared in Darlington overnight, has attracted a lot of attention and praise from visitors and residents alike.

Samantha Blackham, who runs the monthly Darlington Sunday People's Market, said: "It is superb. It brightens up the town. I really hope they keep adding to it - they need to keep doing more.”

Anyone interested in joining the Darlington Stitch Bombers can call The Northern Echo on 01325-505073 or email newsdesk@nne.co.uk