Vandals attack city war memorial

Vandals have attacked Wolverhampton's war memorial with bright pink spray paint to the outrage of veterans.

Yobs have sprayed 'Spar's' and 'I love Luke x' in large letters on the cenotaph in St Peter's Gardens, Wolverhampton.

The same fluorescent paint was used to draw an obscene image on an alcove behind the listed monument, in the shadow of St Peter's Church.

Members of Wolverhampton's Burma Star Association today reacted with disgust at the vandalism.

The group of elderly veterans were stunned to see the graffiti as they visited the Civic Centre to attend a reception at the mayor's parlour. The culprits are thought to have struck overnight.

Council chiefs today carried out an inspection of the vandalism and have pledged to clean up the cenotaph as quickly as possible.

The cost to city taxpayers is estimated at £600.

Chairman of the city's Burma Star Association Charles Maber, aged 85, from Tettenhall, served as a Leading Aircraftsman in 292 Squadron of the RAF.

He said: "It is disgusting and very upsetting for all of us.

"The men who fought and died for our country deserve better than this."

Wolverhampton mayor Councillor Malcolm Gwinnett pledged the council would clean up the vandalism.

He told veterans: "You have fought world wars for us and to have this done is sad and disgraceful."