'We just want the flag back': Landlady's plea after rare Leeds United flag stolen from city centre pub

A landlady has appealed for the return of a rare Leeds United flag stolen from her pub in Leeds city centre.

The flag, which features Leeds United fan favourite Stuart Dallas, was taken from the Moot Hall Arms' "Wall of Greats" at the start of June.

The flag was part of a collection of memorabilia acquired and donated by regulars over the years.

Landlady Claire told the YEP: "It was displayed in our rear room on what we call our 'Wall of Greats'. We've got all sorts of different pictures and memorabilia on that wall, but that flag is one of only five ever made.

"It was specially printed in Stuart Dallas' hometown by a local company, and one of our regulars who comes over from Ireland brought it over to Leeds so we could display it in the bar.

"It's not something we can just go and replace. The guy who donated it to us was gutted. I can't just go out and buy another one."

CCTV shows a man entering the pub while it was open and telling staff he only wanted to check the cricket score.

"He basically sat down, unclipped the flag from the wall, stuffed it down his trousers and walked out of the venue," Claire said.

The footage has since been shared by police as part of a CCTV appeal asking people to come forward if they recognise the man.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “Officers were called to a report of a theft from Moot Hall Arms pub on Mill Hill, Leeds at around 10pm on Wednesday 3 June. A flag was taken.

“Enquiries are ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact West Yorkshire Police by calling 101 or go online at https://www.westyorkshire.police.uk/LiveChat quoting reference 13260312758.”

While officers search for the suspect, Claire is reluctant to see a “witch-hunt”. Her priority, she says, is simply getting the flag back.

"People just want us to get it back," she said. "We do an awful lot for Leeds fans, the community and charity, so it's a bit disheartening.

"I'm just happy to have the flag back, if I'm honest. If anyone's seen it, please get it back to us."