Yobs smash First World War memorial to pieces

From Daily Mail Online: Yobs smash First World War memorial to pieces
This sorry sight is the result of mindless vandalism which police are calling a 'crime against our Armed Forces'.
The First World War memorial was knocked over on Friday night, leaving lumps of stone scattered across the grass where people would normally stand to pay their respects.

Villagers in Prestbury, near Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, where the structure has stood proudly since 1920, have placed a £1,000 bounty on the heads of those responsible.

They are now desperately trying to raise funds to get the structure repaired in time for Remembrance Sunday on November 13.
Sergeant Mark Stephens, from Gloucestershire Constabulary, said the cost of the damage could be as much as £5,000.

He said: 'This is a crime against the men and women of our Armed Forces who have in the past, and continue in the present day, to pay the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their country to ensure the freedom and liberty we all enjoy.
'This will have a significant impact on not only the residents of Prestbury, but also the wider Cheltenham community.

'It is particularly poignant as we are so close to Remembrance Sunday when a great many people attend the Prestbury service held at the memorial to honour those who have fallen in service of our country.

'You can rest assured that I will ensure every possible line of inquiry is fully investigated to determine how this damage occurred and, if it were malicious, to bring those responsible before the courts.'

Prestbury Parish Council will debate the matter at a meeting tonight.
Malcolm Stennett, parish council chairman, said: 'It's really horrendous.
'It's terrible when you think that our troops are out fighting at the moment, getting killed and injured, and people are going around desecrating a war memorial.
'It must show an extremely low intellect and I hope the police are able to bring the culprits to book.'

The Reverend Daniel Papworth, of north Cheltenham team ministry, added: 'It is sad and distressing to see the damage and local people are understandably shocked.'