Chippenham park war memorial vandalism causes distress

The beheaded Tommy was temporarily fixed by a local gardener

A Royal British Legion fundraiser says people have been left distressed after a war memorial was vandalised.

The heads of two metal soldiers in the memorial garden at John Coles Park, Chippenham, were knocked off just before Remembrance Sunday.

A female figure was ruined and has now been removed whilst the male has been temporarily repaired - a council has confirmed the figures will be replaced.

Irene Sinclaire said the crime left a war veteran in tears.

Mrs Sinclair, Chair of the Chippenham branch, of the Royal British Legion standing next to the repaired Tommy

Ms Sinclaire, from the Chippenham branch of the Royal British Legion, told BBC Radio Wiltshire: "We were absolutely gobsmacked, and then so saddened that it had happened just before Remembrance Day which made it far far worse for everyone."

"I feel so upset that people have no respect for people who gave up their lives for us to live today."

Mrs Sinclair says she has been stopped in the street by people who say the crime has made them upset - including a 98-year-old veteran of Dunkirk.

'Tears streaming'

"How he heard, I don't know, but the tears were streaming down his face," she said.

The vandalism is under investigation by Wiltshire Police, who are urging anybody with further information to contact them.

A spokesman said: "Criminal damage of any kind is extremely disappointing, but the fact that these are statues of soldiers erected as part of the remembrance celebrations makes it even more shocking and upsetting."

The female metal soldier completely beheaded by vandals in John Coles Park, the figure has now been removed

Mayor of Chippenham, councillor Liz Alstrom, confirmed the figures will be replaced by Chippenham Town Council.

She said: "We were all shocked and deeply saddened to hear about the damage caused to the Tommy Figures during the period of Remembrance.

"The Royal British Legion Memorial Garden is an important space in John Coles Park, so the figures will be replaced so that visitors can continue to use the space for moments of reflection."