YOBS have vandalised a soldier silhouette figure which was installed to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War.

Silhouette soldiers, known as "Tommies", were placed in different areas of the borough last year to pay respect to servicemen who died in the war.

Yesterday, Sunday, it was discovered that a "Tommy" soldier silhouette at Newton-le-Willows Cemetery was found to have its head removed.

The vandalism has been strongly condemned in the community.

Newton-le-Willows councillor Seve Gomez-Aspron said: “These actions are shameless and despicable.

"There is nothing noble, brave or funny about vandalising things in a dark and quiet cemetery.

"We asked to have the silhouette in the cemetery because there are quite a lot of graves from both world wars in there for people from NLW who paid the ultimate price.

"For someone to then vandalise them, is moronic behaviour.

"The turn out at Remembrance Day, Armed Forces Day and other military events show that the people of NLW back current and former members of the forces whole heartedly.

St Helens Star: St Helens Star:

Residents pay their respects on Remembrance Day in Newton-le-Willows last year

"It’s a shame that the actions of one person spoils it for the rest.

"The silhouettes were to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War from the British Legion, and I don’t think they produce them anymore.”

If you have any information contact police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.