TWO war memorials have been damaged in the New Forest following a “spate” of vandalism.

Two Silent Soldier figures have had their heads pulled off in an act of hooliganism in Sway.

The Tommy and Nurse silhouettes were discovered headless on the morning on November 26 by local residents, who reported the incident to the police.

Chairman of Sway Parish Council, Cllr Stephen Tarling, said: “It is not the only place that has experienced vandalism.

“We’ve had a spate of vandalism in Sway recently – when Sway is usually a low crime New Forest village.

“In fact just last Thursday Inspector Scott Beney from the New Forest Police came to our parish council meeting to speak to residents about that subject.

“This is just mindless vandalism.

 

“I have no words.

“There will be lots of local people who will be very disappointed and disgusted.”

The parish council have removed the Tommy and are planning on removing the Nurse soon, which is located next to a memorial covered in hundreds of hand knitted poppies.

A Hampshire police spokesperson said: “At some time between 9am on 24 November and 9am on 26 November two mannequins, which were put up in Jubilee Field Recreation Ground in Sway, were damaged.

“Anyone with information should call 101 quoting 44180442314.”

The vandalism follows an attack in Sholing last month where another Silent Soldier was damaged between October 25 and 26.

The vandalism left the silhouette bent out of shape and missing some parts.

 

The figure was quickly repaired by resident and war veteran Martin Hance, who learned that the figure had been damaged on Facebook.

Martin said: “I felt sad that whoever had done this hasn’t been educated as to why we remember.

“If people don’t remember we will make the same mistakes.”

The figures are to commemorate the 1.1 million British and Empire service men and women who died during the war.