Four stone slabs have been stolen from Dong Trang ancient stone bridge in Ai Quoc Ward, Hai Phong. Local police are investigating the incident.

Speaking to VietNamNet on the morning of June 17, leaders of the Ai Quoc Ward People's Committee confirmed that ward police are coordinating with the Criminal Police Division and Hai Phong City Police to investigate the theft of four stone slabs from the more than 100-year-old bridge.

Earlier, ward police received a report from Tran Nam Duan, head of Hoang Xa 2 residential group, stating that Dong Trang stone bridge, located near the Dong Trang pumping station area, had been targeted by thieves who removed several valuable structural components.

According to the report, four stone slabs were taken from two spans of the bridge. During an examination of the scene, police discovered one of the stolen slabs hidden near a tree. The slab had already been broken.

Local authorities said each bridge span consists of two stone slabs joined together, measuring approximately 1.5 meters in width and weighing around 100 kilograms.

Historic bridge preserved through community efforts

Dong Trang stone bridge was built in the 19th century and crosses the Dong Dung River, which flows into the Huong River.

The bridge is 13.5 meters long and 1.6 meters wide, featuring an arch-shaped design with nine spans. Each span is constructed from four fitted green stone slabs.

Residents expressed regret and disappointment after learning that the bridge no longer remains in its original condition.

The four stolen green stone slabs were more than 100 years old and formed part of two separate spans of the historic structure.

In 2013, during land clearance for the expansion of Road 390, local residents successfully petitioned authorities to preserve Dong Trang stone bridge rather than demolish it.

The bridge has since remained an important historical and cultural feature for the local community.

Authorities are continuing their investigation to identify those responsible and recover the remaining stolen components.