Patrols stepped up after war memorial attack

??The condemnation of yobs who daubed bright pink paint on Wolverhampton's war memorial continued today as it emerged security would be stepped up in the area.

Veterans from the city's Burma Star Association were left in tears at the sight of the graffiti in St Peter's Square as they headed to a reception at the mayor's parlour in the Civic Centre yesterday.

Police are now increasing patrols in the area, while city mayor Councillor Malcolm Gwinnett pledged trees would be cut back to improve CCTV coverage.

It is hoped the clean-up by specialist contractors, which is to cost £600, will be completed before Remembrance Day celebrations.

The vandals, who are thought to have struck overnight on Tuesday, painted an obscene image as well as writing "I love Luke x" and "Spar's" on the rear of the cenotaph and on an adjacent alcove.

Insp Simon Guilfoyle, from the city centre neighbourhood policing team, said today: "It baffles me why someone would want to commit such a disgraceful act of vandalism with complete disregard for the feelings of those affected by war.

"I'm appealing to anyone who has any information about this incident to do the right thing and get in touch.

"We will pursue all lines of inquiry to try and discover who is responsible."

Wolverhampton Royal British Legion president John Mellor, of Graiseley, today said: "I am amazed and ashamed that as we move towards remembrance time in November that anyone would want to desecrate a war memorial. It is disgusting."

Steve Wright, Wolverhampton City Council's head of parks, said: "We are investigating the best way to remove this offensive graffiti, which we think will cost at least £600 to rectify.

"The war memorial is a listed monument and so great care needs to be taken when cleaning it. It is hoped that the graffiti will be removed by a specialist contractor as soon as possible."