Graffiti scrawled on Wolverhampton's cenotaph ahead of Great War ceremonies
Vandals have scrawled graffiti over the steps to the cenotaph in Wolverhampton city centre just days before First World War memorial ceremonies are due to take place.
The vandalism in the shadows of St Peter's Church was today blasted as "disgraceful".
West Midlands Police are now hunting those responsible for the graffiti, which includes images of drug paraphernalia and people's names. It is understood to have been done on Tuesday.
Today, members of the Royal British Legion (RBL) condemned the vandalism and described it as an insult to the memories of those who gave their lives.
Lyndon Purnell, aged 79, chairman of the City of Wolverhampton Central Branch of the RBL said: "It's disgraceful. It is desecrating the hallowed memories of the men who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
"I don't think whoever has done this knows what they are doing.
"This won't just hurt members of the Royal British Legion, it hurts the community and the people of Wolverhampton. It means a lot to everyone and you see that at memorial ceremonies. I have to think the people who have done this don't realise what they have done and should they be caught they need to be sat down and told what the cenotaph means to people.
"I just hope it cleared up."
John Bolger, secretary of the Wednesfield & Wood End Royal British Legion Club ,added: "I can't even think of the words to say to describe what they have done. If it wasn't for the sacrifice those people gave for this country we wouldn't even have a country. It's disgusting, disgraceful and I can't even comprehend the idiots who would do such a thing."
Monday sees the 100th anniversary of the day Britain declared war. On Sunday evening, a vigil is due to take place at St Peter's to mark the anniversary.
Wolverhampton City Council was carrying out a clean-up operation yesterday as police appealed for witnesses to come forward.
Pc Paul Bevan from the Wolverhampton city centre neighbourhood policing team said: "We are aware of graffiti which has been daubed across steps near the cenotaph in the city centre.
"At this stage nobody has been arrested but officers have contacted the council and the graffiti will be removed.
"This was a disgraceful act of vandalism and this kind of mindless criminal damage is completely unacceptable.
"We are working with partner agencies to reduce anti-social behaviour in this area and would encourage anyone who witnesses this kind of activity to call us on 101."
