Boy held over swastika outrage
POLICE hunting vandals who daubed a 4ft swastika on a British war memorial and smeared it with human excrement have arrested a teenager.
Veterans condemned the desecration of the cenotaph in Southampton, Hants, as “deplorable and despicable”.
The attack on the memorial, which features names of combatants in WWI, WWII, the Falklands and the Afghanistan conflict, happened a month ago.
Archie Parsons, Secretary of the Southampton branch of the Royal British Legion, welcomed the arrest of a 16-year-old boy.
He added: “Whoever is responsible for doing these sorts of things should sit down with veterans and hear what they have to say about their experience.
“Alternatively, they should come along to a Remembrance Day service to understand what sacrifices were made.” Royston Smith, leader of Southampton City Council and previously in the RAF, said the vandalism showed a “complete and utter lack of respect for Southampton’s fallen heroes”.
Whoever is responsible for doing these sorts of things should sit down with veterans and hear what they have to say about their experience.
Police confirmed the youngster, from Southampton, was arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage.
He is also being quizzed on other unrelated charges, including going equipped for theft.