A search is underway after police say a man stole a gold-plated metal rose from a 9/11 memorial on display inside a church in Midtown Manhattan Wednesday afternoon.

Police said the theft took place around 2:30 p.m. inside the Church of St. Francis of Assisi at 135 W. 31st St.

The man entered the church and removed the memorial without permission, then fled on foot in an unknown direction, authorities said.

Police are asking anyone with information regarding the incident to contact Crime Stoppers.

Call 1-800-577-8477, or text CRIMES and then enter TIP577, or visit www.nypdcrimestoppers.com, if you have a tip