As the nation paused to remember the lives lost while fighting for our country and liberty, heartless vandals were setting fire to wreaths at a war memorial.
Just hours after locals in Crediton, Devon, gathered at the annual Remembrance Sunday service, police were called after a member of the public witnessed two youths setting fire to the poppies placed at the memorial.
The two suspects are described as aged around 14-15, one male and one female, both wearing hooded tops and were seen running from scene towards the park behind the memorial.
The Express and Star reports that local officers plus a dog unit conducted a search of the area but the suspects were not located.
Inspector Jane Alford-Mole, said: “This is a deeply upsetting crime which will personally affect many of the residents of Crediton. The wreaths had been placed by a number of individuals and groups who are closely connected to the Act of Remembrance including the Crediton Women’s Institute, Devon and Cornwall Police as well as the family of a Crediton Lance Corporal who died earlier this year whilst serving in Afghanistan.
“The wreaths suffered burn damage and there are a number of scorch marks on the war memorial. This is a sickening act of mindless vandalism and we are desperate to identify those responsible.”
A spokesman from military charity Pilgrim Bandits who work with forces amputees said: “it sums up a sad small part of our nation who wouldn’t be here had it not been for the sacrifices of our forefathers.”
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