War memorial graffitied with St George's Cross

The war memorial in Bodmin was defaced

Cornwall Council's leader has slammed those responsible for painting a St George's Cross on a war memorial in Bodmin as "disrespectful".

Such crosses have appeared at roundabouts in Wadebridge and Helston, and now St Lawrence's Clock Tower, which is part of Bodmin's war memorial, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Council leader Liberal Democrat Leigh Frost said he had "no problem" with people's pride in their flag, identity and heritage, but added: "This isn't pride. This is mindless vandalism... It is an insult to the memory of the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice."

The crosses on the memorial had been painted over by late Monday afternoon, the BBC confirmed.

Mr Frost said Bodmin Town Council was now having to spend public money restoring it and the cash "would be far better spent on services for our community".

He added: "We can and should be proud of who we are. But let us show that pride through respect, remembrance and community, not through acts that dishonour those who came before us."

Nationally, groups responsible for putting up the flags have told the BBC they are motivated by pride and patriotism.

But others have said it feels provocative at a time when tensions are running high across England over the issue of immigration.