Vandals branded disrespectful as Market Drayton soldier statue back in place

Vandals who damaged a life size silhouette statue of a First World War soldier in Market Drayton were today branded "disrespectful" - after it was found dumped in a hedge.

The metal and perspex statue was ripped from its place at Phoenix Bank.

Today those responsible were urged to take stock and consider the sacrifice represented by the artwork.

Town Clerk Julie Evans said that while there had been a monetary cost to replacing the statue on its stand, it was the lack of respect shown by the vandals that was so distressing.

She said: "We have three of these commemorative statues in town and we don't want this to happen again. This act of vandalism was awful and we can't understand that someone would want to do it."

The black soldier statues have appeared in towns and villages across the UK to mark 100 years since the formal end of the Great War.

Inspector Tracy Ryan, from Market Drayton Safer Neighbourhood Team said: "It appears that the statue wasn't stolen, as we first thought, but instead was taken and damaged before being left in a hedge. We are keen to hear from anyone who knows who caused the damage. It has now been restored to its stand."

Anyone with information should call 101 and quote reference 209S290818. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org