Investigation after memorials of two murdered Leeds police officers vandalised
Police say it happened over the weekend
Last updated 27th Jan 2025
An investigation is underway after the memorials of two murdered Leeds police officers were vandalised.
West Yorkshire Police say they were called at 6.43pm on Saturday with reports that a memorial dedicated to Pc Ian Broadhurst had been damaged.
He was shot and killed in Leeds on December 26th 2003.
The memorial had been sprayed with black paint.
The force received a second report at 9.06am on Sunday that a memorial dedicated to Sergeant John Speed - who was shot and killed in Kirkgate in Leeds city centre on October 31 1984 - had also been covered in black paint.
Police said the second incident took place at 1am on Sunday and the two incidents are believed to be linked.
Leeds District Commander Chief Superintendent Steve Dodds said:
"It is absolutely disgusting that someone would deliberately deface the memorials honouring the memories of Pc Ian Broadhurst and Sgt John Speed, who were murdered in the line of duty and made the ultimate sacrifice while attempting to protect the public from armed and dangerous offenders.
"I know I speak for everyone in West Yorkshire Police and the wider policing family when I say how appalled we are about these incidents.
"Pc Broadhurst's memorial has now been cleaned, and Sgt Speed's is due to be restored to its rightful condition shortly.
"Thankfully we don't expect there to be any lasting damage to either.
"We are carrying out inquiries to identify who was responsible, and we are keen to hear from anyone who witnessed either incident, saw anyone acting suspiciously in the vicinity of either incident or who has any information that could assist the investigation."