War memorial is defaced

A war memorial in a Black Country park has been daubed with graffiti in an attack by vandals. Yobs have covered the cenotaph in Victoria Park in Tipton with paint.

Wreaths which had been placed at the base of the monument as part of Remembrance Sunday celebrations were strewn across the grass. The attack has angered residents and local councillors who are urging anyone with any information to come forward. Councillor Ian Jones said: "The cenotaph and its plinth have been defaced.

"The graffiti is defacing and defiling a place where the community come to pay homage to those who lost their lives in the world wars."

Councillor Jones said anybody who saw the attack taking place should contact Crimestoppers or Sandwell Council's Anti-Social Behaviour Hotline. He added that Victoria Park was an award-winning site and should be respected by people.

Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111.