VANDALS who are believed to have burned a poppy wreath at Evesham’s War Memorial have been branded ‘despicable’ by the chairman of the town’s Royal British Legion.
Alan Booth told the Observer he was disgusted by the act of wanton vandalism after the remains of the wreath were discovered close to the Abbey Park memorial by a passer-by on Tuesday (December 6).
CCTV camera footage is being looked at as police try to track down those responsible.
The wreath was discovered by Kim Wood during her lunch break while she was sitting by the memorial.
After reporting what she saw to the police, she took to social media and posted a picture of the burnt remains and labelled the vandals ‘sick idiots’.
“That’s in memory of someone’s loved one that had more bravery than any of these twisted cowards,” she added.
The post has since been shared hundreds of times and has sparked fury among residents outraged at the ‘abhorrent’ act.
And speaking to the Observer Alan Booth said it was not the first time one of the wreaths has been set alight.
“To say I was disgusted wasn’t my immediate thought,” he said.
“I’m sure I can speak for the majority of the people by saying how despicable an act of wanton vandalism this is.
“There is CCTV in the area around the memorial and hopefully the perpetrators can be bought to book.
“This is not the first time this as happened. What makes people do these abhorrent acts?
“It just makes my blood boil,” he added.
The incident has been reported to West Mercia Police and Evesham Safer Neigbourhood Team are now investigating what happened.
Anyone who has information on the incident is urged to contact PC Paul Buffery on 101, quoting incident number 593s of Tuesday, December 6.
