Vandals destroy Crediton war memorial wreaths

Police are appealing for witnesses following an act of vandalism on the war memorial in Crediton.

Police were called at 1.15am on Monday 10 November after a member of the public witnessed two youths setting fire to the wreaths placed at the war memorial.

The two suspects are described as aged around 14-15, one male and one female, both wearing hooded tops and were seen running from scene towards the park behind the memorial.

Local officers plus a dog unit conducted a search of the area but the suspects weren’t located.

Inspector Jane Alford-Mole, said: “This is a deeply upsetting crime which will personally affect many of the residents of Crediton. The wreaths had been placed by a number of indivduals and groups who are closey connected to the Act of Remembrance including the Crediton Women's Institute, Devon and Cornwall Police as well as the family of a Crediton Lance Corporal who died earlier this year whilst serving in Afghanistan.

“The wreaths suffered burn damage and there are a number of scorch marks on the war memorial. This is a sickening act of mindless vandalism and we are desperate to identify those responsible.”

Police are appealing for any witnesses to call 101 quoting crime reference CR/1211225/14, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.