FOR the second year in a row, soldier silhouettes erected as a mark of respect were disgracefully beheaded in Maryport in the days leading up to Remembrance Sunday.

Police are investigating an incident of criminal damage to two soldier statues at the Memorial Gardens on Ellenborough Road, Maryport.

It is believed the damage occurred overnight between November 9 and 10.

It is reported that youths were seen in the area.

People in the community have been left disgusted by the vandalism which is believed to have taken place only days before Remembrance Day.

Town clerk Lisa Douglas said:"It is a disgusting disgrace."

"This is the second year in a row that we have had silhouettes damaged. It is just awful."

READ MORE: Maryport's Silent Soldiers damaged by vandals

She said a dog walker had reported that the silhouettes had been intact when he had walked his dog through the Maryport Memorial Gardens on Wednesday evening and the damage was discovered on Monday morning.

"Police are looking through CCTV within that time frame, " Mrs Douglas said.  

Anyone with information relating to this incident can report online at cumbria.police.uk/report-it, quoting incident number 76 of November 14 2022. You can also phone on 101.

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

READ MORE: Outrage as war memorials damaged in Maryport