Temporary cenotaph vandalised - ahead of D-Day 80
Reports suggest someone tried to set fire to the structure
Police in Bristol are investigating after a temporary cenotaph's been vandalised - ahead of tomorrow's D-Day 80 commemorations.
Reports suggest someone tried to set fire to the structure, which is now lying on its side on the ground in Long Ashton.
The structure was erected by volunteers as people across the West Country will be coming together tomorrow (6 June) to mark 80 years since the D-Day landings in Normandy.
Avon and Somerset Police tell us a case into the incident has been opened after they received a report of the incident.
In a statement, officers said: "An investigation has been launched after the cenotaph in Keedwell Hill, Long Ashton was damaged.
"We were called shortly after 11am this morning (5 June) to a report that the memorial had been damaged with a flagpole before an attempt was made to set it alight.
"This is believed to have taken place between 8pm on Tuesday 4 June and 8am Wednesday 5 June."
PC James Coglan said: "We fully appreciate the sensitivity around this incident, particularly given the timing, and will be conducting a thorough investigation.
"Enquiries to identify those responsible are ongoing and we would encourage anyone who has any information to contact us.”
If you witnessed this incident or have any information which could help our investigation, you are urged to call 101 and quote reference 5224144301.