Callous vandals wreck Wigan war memorial

Callous vandals have wrecked a war memorial in a mindless attack which has caused fury amongst residents.
By Ben Butler
Published 11th Aug 2020, 16:22 BST
Updated 11th Aug 2020, 16:27 BST
The First World War statue was torn apart (Image: Coun James Watson)The First World War statue was torn apart (Image: Coun James Watson)
The First World War statue was torn apart (Image: Coun James Watson)

The memorial by the cenotaph in Atherton was found trashed on Tuesday morning (August 11).

Yobs had thrown aside remembrance wreaths and flower planters and a wicker statue of a First World War soldier has been ripped up.

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According to local councillors, the wicker statue is worth up to £1,000 and they said it now cannot be repaired.

Flowers strewn across the cenotaph area (Image: Coun James Watson)Flowers strewn across the cenotaph area (Image: Coun James Watson)
Flowers strewn across the cenotaph area (Image: Coun James Watson)

Damage to the memorial, which the town has spent 15 years 'transforming', comes just days before the 75th anniversary of VJ Day - the end of the Second World War.

Councillors Stuart Gerrard and James Watson started a clean-up and they believe that youths were in the area around 1am. They are now urging anyone who has any information to contact them or the police on 101.

Coun Watson, the vice chair of the local Royal British Legion branch and a veteran himself, described the vandalism as "appalling."

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He said: "I am appalled by this act of vandalism on our Cenotaph. We have a rich military heritage in our town and The Cenotaph is our place to remember and honour the sacrifice of those who came beforehand.

"With the 75th anniversary of VJ Day fast approaching (marking the end of the Second World War) this is more disturbing and those responsible need educating."