Wiltshire Police have confirmed that officers investigating criminal damage
In the early hours of Saturday January 12, officers were out on patrol in the town centre when they came across approximately 50 poppy wreaths which had been thrown across the ground.
Enquiries were carried out by officers which included a thorough scope of town centre CCTV footage.
As a result of these enquiries a 54-year-old local man has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage.
The man has been taken to Gablecross custody for questioning and enquiries are continuing.
Inspector Rachel Hardy said:
“This incident has understandably caused a huge amount of upset to our local community and officers have been working tirelessly to identify the person
“Whilst we have made an arrest, we continue to appeal to anyone who may have information on this incident to call us on 101 and quote crime reference number 54190003682.”
A police spokesman said:
“This was a mindless act of vandalism and shows complete disregard for those servicemen and women that have given the ultimate sacrifice in service of this country.”
Chief Constable Kier Pritchard said the vandalism was “a total disgrace”.
“I laid our Wiltshire Police wreath at this cenotaph on Sun 11th Nov 2018 alongside many war veterans to show respect to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice to provide the freedoms we enjoy today,” he added.
Featured image credit: Wiltshire Police
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