´óÏó´«Ã½

Teenager admits vandalising WW1 Tommy memorial

Vandalised Tommy memorial, HarlestonImage source, Terry Pegg
Image caption,

The "Tommy" memorial appeared to have been stretched apart

  • Published

A teenager has admitted damaging a silhouette memorial of a World War One soldier in an act described as "mindless vandalism".

Norfolk Police said the "Tommy" memorial on Broad Street in Harleston, was vandalised between 17:00 GMT on 13 February and 08:00 the following day.

During an interview with officers, the teenage boy admitted he did it.

The force said he would be referred to the Youth Offending Team, which is outside the court and criminalisation process and aims to divert children from offending.

However, police said if the youth, who is not being named, was not eligible for the Youth Offending Team's scheme, he may still end up in court.

The memorial, which appeared to have been stretched apart, was removed from its plinth as a "precautionary measure" following the damage.

, Redenhall and Harleston Town Council described what happened as "mindless vandalism".

Follow East of England news on , and . Got a story? Email eastofenglandnews@bbc.co.uk, external or WhatsApp us on 0800 169 1830