The tributes left to Ozzy Osbourne by the Black Sabbath bench in Birmingham have been targeted by a thief, who has now been charged in connection with the theft

Ozzy Osbourne died last month aged 76(Image: Getty Images)

A man has been charged in relation to the theft of flowers left in tribute to Ozzy Osbourne at the Black Sabbath bench in Birmingham.

The world was shocked last month when news broke of Ozzy’s death at 76, prompting thousands of fans to leave tributes to the Prince of Darkness around the Black Sabbath bench on Broad Street in Birmingham, Ozzy’s cherished hometown.

Sharon Osbourne, Ozzy’s devoted wife, was spotted visiting the Black Sabbath bench and taking in the tributes with their children, Jack, Aimee, and Kelly, whom she shared with Ozzy as the star took his ‘final tour’ of Birmingham in a funeral procession. This followed emotional scenes at Ozzy’s funeral where Sharon Osbourne was seen breaking down in tears.

Days after Ozzy’s funeral procession, West Midlands Police announced they had arrested and charged a man in connection with the theft of flowers left near the Black Sabbath Bench and mural in Birmingham City center.

The Mirror reports that police were alerted to an alleged theft on Broad Street, where the Black Sabbath bench is located, and arrested a man on August 2 after conducting inquiries.

The police force stated that Parviz Jafari, 45, has been charged with theft of flowers and will appear before magistrates on September 3.

Sharon, Kelly, Jack and Aimee Osbourne were seen visiting Black Sabbath bench(Image: Getty Images)

Birmingham City Council collected tributes left at the Black Sabbath bench on Monday, which will be handed over to the Osbourne family.

Officials donned in high-visibility jackets were spotted meticulously gathering the flowers and tributes strewn across the bench.

The council assured that these mementos would be collected and preserved “respectfully” in accordance with the rock star’s family wishes, and then stored “with the utmost care at a secure location, ensuring they are protected and treated with dignity”.

In due time, the council stated: “In due course, they will be passed on to the Osbourne family, so they may keep them as a lasting reminder of the public’s affection and support.”

Floral tributes left at the Black Sabbath Bridge bench on Broad Street in Birmingham in memory of Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne(Image: PA)

Meanwhile, the Osbourne family expressed their gratitude through a city council statement, the Osbourne family said: “We are deeply moved by the heartfelt tributes that have been placed at the Black Sabbath Bridge and at the Black Sabbath mural on Navigation Street in recent days.

“These expressions of remembrance reflect the profound impact that Ozzy had on the city and its people, as well as fans from around the world – BIRMINGHAM FOREVER!”.

Ozzy’s son, Jack, took to Instagram to share a video documenting the process of the flowers being removed from the memorial before they were relocated to a secure location, ready to be handed over to the Osbourne family.