Call for history buffs to mount vandalism patrols

Mr Duffin discovered the Naiad sculpture had been snapped from its mounts and moved last week

A man has called for people passionate about protecting their local heritage to form a city-centre patrol after a spate of vandalism.

City guide Scott Duffin suggested Coventry history buffs could meet on weekday evenings to help him "keep a watchful eye" over the city.

His suggestion follows damage in recent week's to a police memorial plaque, the historic Naiad sculpture, and the cathedral's Baptistry Window.

"I’ve never seen this much damage being done to our historical places before," Mr Duffin said.

The cathedral has appealed for anyone with information about damage to its window to come forward

Writing on the Visit Historic Coventry Facebook page he helps run, Mr Duffin wrote of his anger and upset over the damage caused.

"Let's come together and try and help and do something about it," he said.

He suggested Visit Historic Coventry street wardens could meet several evenings a week in high-vis to "walk around our city centre to check all is okay and have a visible presence to show unity against what has been going on".

Mr Duffin, an avid collector of local history memorabilia who has run guided tours of the city's historic locations, told the BBC he was passionate about protecting his heritage.

"It feels like there’s a bit of a trend going on," he said. "I am always about in the city centre. I soon notice if something's not right."

In response to his suggestion, Facebook users wrote of their anger and upset over the damage, with some praising his "good idea" and others raising concerns over vigilantism.

"So awful, not to mention totally disrespectful," wrote one user.

"It is sickening that people will go around defacing historical statues, works of art and architecture and places of historical value. I hope that it can be stopped," wrote another.

PC Guthrie's memorial plaque was found smashed at the start of April

Mr Duffin discovered the plaque to PC Guthrie, who was murdered in the line of duty, had been smashed on 7 April.

Three weeks later, he found the 66-year-old Naiad sculpture had been removed from its bindings in a pool on Upper Precinct and moved.

Damage to Coventry Cathedral's stained-glass Baptistery Window was discovered on Monday.

Mr Duffin plans to set up an event for anyone interested in his plan to meet up in the coming days.

West Midlands Police is investigating all three incidents.