Vandalised cenotaph fixed in 'rapid repair' for D-Day

Dave Addis said he is "relieved" that a "rapid repair" had been carried out to the cenotaph

A temporary cenotaph that was vandalised has been partially fixed in time for D-Day remembrance events.

The structure in Long Ashton near Bristol was erected on Tuesday for the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings. But on Wednesday morning, volunteers discovered it had been toppled, damaged and vandals had attempted to set it alight.

Dave Addis, secretary of the village's Royal British Legion branch, said he was "relieved" that a "rapid repair" had been carried out.

Avon and Somerset Police said it is conducting a "thorough investigation" into the vandalism.

Police are investigating the incident

Officers believe the offenders carried out the act between 20:00 on Tuesday and 08:00 BST on Wednesday.

"They obviously don’t know why it’s like that or what a war memorial is," Mr Addis said.

"They don’t know about the 40 men from this village who didn’t come back from World War Two and the 67 who didn’t come back from World War One.

"If they’re that disinterested or they don’t know what it’s about, then they need re-educating."

Poppies have been used to hide some of the damage

Poppies have been stuck over the damaged parts of the structure, until it can be repaired properly.

The cost of the work is currently unknown, Mr Addis said.