War memorial defaced with sexually explicit graffiti

Police have launched an investigation after sexually graphic images were sprayed on a war memorial.

Nottinghamshire Police said the vandalism was reported at 13:22 BST on Thursday at the Old Meeting House Unitarian Chapel in Mansfield.

The memorial incorporates commemorative plaques, which record the names of members of the Unitarian Chapel community who lost their lives in World War One and World War Two.

Reverend Maria Pap said: "For me, that war memorial is a sacred place, and I am very, very angry at what has happened."

Angie Jackson, a portfolio holder for wellbeing, health and safer communities at Mansfield District Council, said: "We are appalled by the senseless vandalism of the war memorial at the Old Meeting House.

"Our cleansing team is going out to remove the graffiti as soon as possible, and we will be supporting any police investigation with regards this matter."

Sgt Cat Darby, of Nottinghamshire Police, said "This is a mindless act of vandalism that I know will cause a great deal of offence in the wider community.

"We have no idea why anyone would want to do this, but look forward to asking the perpetrator in person."

The force is urging anyone who may have information to get in contact.

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