Memorial vandalism
Ex-soldier spotted damage day prior to Armistice
A 14-year-old boy has been charged in connection with the “distressing” vandalism of a war memorial a day before Armistice Day.
A large amount of blue paint was sprayed over the memorial in the Lych Gate area of Tullibody prior to the weekend’s remembrance events.
The damage was spotted by dog walker Thomas Winters – who served for nine years in the army himself – at around 7.30am on Friday.
Names could be seen scrawled over the stone while paint had also run into the names of the area’s war heroes engraved on the memorial.
Mr Winters (69) told the Observer: “I can’t believe that someone would do something like this. I just can’t see the sense.
“This memorial is here to remember those who gave their lives for us – and for hooligans to just do something like this is terrible.
“People put their lives at risk serving their country all over the world, and this is so disrespectful to them.”
His wife Dot (67) added: “It’s shocking really. I just can’t understand the mentality that would make someone do this.
“When I was at school we were taught all about respect – and we would never have dreamed of doing something like this.”
A number of people took to the Stirling Observer Facebook page to voice their anger at learning of the damage.
Among them was Fiona Vann who posted: “Born and raised in Tullibody and would never have crossed or any of my brothers’ minds to do something as disgusting as that.
“Should be made to publicly apologise and clean it off.”
Christina Murray added: “Appalling behaviour.”
A spokesperson from Clackmannanshire Council confirmed that staff had removed the paint from the memorial on Friday afternoon.
Police say the teenager has also been charged with vandalism to the nearby Abercromby Primary School, a bus stop, and road and a flat at Old School Court.
Chief superintendent Thom McLoughlin, Divisional Commander for Forth Valley, said: “I want to thank the local community for their support as we conducted our inquiries in the area, as well as Clackmannanshire Council for their quick removal of the graffiti.
“All forms of vandalism are completely unacceptable, however, we understand this was particularly distressing for people given the meaning these memorials hold and the time of year this took place.
“I want to reassure the public that we’re not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident and a report will be submitted to the Children’s Reporter.”
People from the Tullibody community, including school children and church representatives, gathered at the memorial on Remembrance Sunday to pay their respects to those who served their country during the First World War.
The memorial, which features the names of 27 war heroes from the area, was erected in 1920.