Strawberry Field gates stolen

The Beatles immortalised the spot in their 1967 hit

To the Beatles, Strawberry Fields were forever, but on Friday thieves in Liverpool had other ideas.

The 100-year-old wrought iron gates to the Strawberry Field Salvation Army children's home, catapulted to fame by the Fab Four, were cut down and taken.

Nearby children said they saw two men put the 8ft high gates into a blue Transit van and drive away.

Over the years, Strawberry Field has become a shrine, particularly to John Lennon who wrote the song in 1967.

Lennon's former playground

Thousands of fans from around the world have made the pilgrimage to the Woolton area of Liverpool to take photographs and scrawl messages on the perimeter walls.

It is believed the signatures of Lennon's sons Sean and Julian are among the graffiti.

John Lennon left money to the home in his will

The late singer-songwriter spent much of his youth playing in Strawberry Field, which was close to the Menlove Avenue home of his Aunt Mimi with whom he lived as a child.

The line "nothing to get hung about" was inspired by her warning not to play in the grounds, which in the 1940s and 1950s were sprawling and overgrown.

According to Beatles buffs, the young John would reply: "They can't hang you for it."

Beatles expert and Magical Mystery Tour guide Phil Cappell said he was devastated when he heard of the theft, saying the gates were a "national treasure".

"I have been livid ever since I heard about it earlier today. Strawberry Field is a major part of the tour and fans break down in tears when they arrive there.

"Now there is no focal point. I just hope those responsible realise what they have done and return the gates. I'd hate to think of them being melted down for scrap metal."

Plea for safe return

Mr Cappell said Strawberry Field always held a special place in John Lennon's heart, with the former Beatle leaving money to the home in his will.

An earlier donation also helped fund the home's Lennon Court - which houses 16 to 18-year-olds preparing to leave care.

Ray Collings, the Salvation Army's divisional public relations director, pleaded for the safe return of the gates. "Some of the children were playing in the grounds of the home and noticed some activity at the end of the drive.

"This is nothing unusual as many visitors to Merseyside have their photographs taken at the gates.

"Then the children noticed the gates were being moved and so went to inform members of staff who immediately went to the end of the drive only to find the gates were gone."

Mr Collings said the gates had been part of the home's identity since the Salvation Army started work there in 1936.

The 10ft wide gates are believed to be worth about £5,000.