Vandals spray graffiti on the statue of Queen Victoria in Leamington - and targeted a police van too

Vandals have sprayed graffiti on the statue of Queen Victoria in Leamington - and targeted a police van too.

Police said they have so far not been able to identify the offenders, despite looking through CCTV footage.

The vandalism of the landmark was discovered today (Tuesday September 29) and the police van was targeted while parked outside the police station in Newbold Terrace over the night of Sunday (September 27) and Monday.

The head of the Leamington Safer Neighbourhood police team described damage caused to one of their vans as “disgusting”.

The van is now off the road while the graffiti is removed and police are appealing for information to help identify those responsible.

Sergeant Trent McMurray from the Leamington Safer Neighbourhood Team said: “This is a disgusting act of vandalism. At a time when my team are working hard to protect people in Leamington during the pandemic, it is really disappointing to be treated in this way; it’s clear some people have no respect for society.

“We have carried out enquiries including viewing CCTV from the area but have been unable to identify those responsible.”

Anyone with information that could help identify those responsible can report it at https://www.warwickshire.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/ or by calling 101. Please quote crime number 23/41827/20. Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.