Memorials to two police officers covered in black spray paint in 'appalling' act of vandalism
WATCH: Memorials to police officers daubed with spray paint in 'appalling' act of vandalism
GB News
Memorials to two murdered police officers have been covered in black spray paint in an “appalling” act of vandalism.
The memorial stones of PC Ian Broadhurst and Sergeant John Speed were found covered in black paint over the weekend, with authorities launching an investigation into the incident.
It was first reported to West Yorkshire Police on Saturday evening that PC Broadhurst’s memorial had been vandalised.
Flowers in tribute to the officer were also found thrown around the site.
Flowers in tribute to the officer were also found thrown around the site
GB News
The 34-year-old was shot in 2003 in Leeds by former wanted US Marine David Bieber on Boxing Day.
He and two colleagues - who survived the attack - had been carrying out checks on a suspected stolen car.
The next morning on Sunday, the memorial dedicated to Sergeant Speed was also found to have been defaced.
Sgt Speed was shot and killed at age 39 in Leeds city centre in October 1984 while performing a routine check on two suspicious men.
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Dodds said the men lost their lives making the “ultimate sacrifice” to protect the public
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Authorities believe the incidents are linked, with Leeds District Commander Chief Superintendent Steve Dodds saying everyone was “appalled” at the vandalism.
He 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.
“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.”
Dodds said the men lost their lives making the “ultimate sacrifice” to protect the public.
Authorities believe the incidents are linked, with Leeds District Commander Chief Superintendent Steve Dodds saying everyone was “appalled” at the vandalism
Police Memorial Trust
PC Broadhurst’s killer was jailed for life after being found guilty of murder and attempted murder.
Sgt Speed was posthumously awarded the Queen’s Commendation for Brave Conduct.
Members of the public have come together to clean the memorials. One of these people is Paul Cockroft, who spoke to GB News on Ben Leo Tonight.
”I saw pictures of it being vandalised on Facebook and I got some cleaning materials out of my car went on down there to see what I could do,” he said.
When asked by Ben what the agenda for this incident was, Cockroft claimed antisocial behaviour was at an all-time high in the area.
He said: ”Antisocial behaviour in Leeds is getting out of control. Complaints have been made by councillors on Leeds City Council to Tracy Brabin, the mayor of Yorkshire. And there's a lack of community. Enough is enough. It's getting as bad as London.”
Police have asked anyone with information to come forward to help with investigations.
People should contact Leeds East Neighbourhood Policing Team on 101 quoting crime reference 13250046082 or go online at www.westyorkshire.police.uk/livechat.
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