VANDALS who attacked a war memorial have been branded as disgusting. Plants were flattened and ripped from the ground at the base of the memorial to the 91st Bomb Group (Heavy), which was based at Bassingbourn in the Second World War. The incident in

VANDALS who attacked a war memorial have been branded as "disgusting."

Plants were flattened and ripped from the ground at the base of the memorial to the 91st Bomb Group (Heavy), which was based at Bassingbourn in the Second World War.

The incident in the Priory Memorial Garden, Royston, which is believed to have happened between midday on Sunday and 9am on Monday, took place just hours before a camera crew from the Imperial War Museum Duxford, visited the memorial to make a film.

Cllr Fiona Hill, chairman of North Herts District Council's Royston area committee, said: "This is an appalling and disgusting act of vandalism.

"It not only shows total disrespect for the brave airmen who are honoured by the memorial, but it has ruined a beautiful part of the Priory Memorial Gardens.

"This is yet another example of the few spoiling things for the many.

Maintenance staff from the district council tried to repair the damage to the flower beds on Monday morning, ahead of the arrival of the film crew from Duxford.

And Cllr Hill was keen to acknowledge their efforts.

"I would like to applaud the staff at North Hertfordshire District Council who worked so hard to clear up and replant the beds," she said.

"It is disappointing that the Imperial War Museum film will not show the memorial at its best but we are proud of what we managed to achieve in so little time.

"I would urge anyone who sees anything suspicious at our parks and gardens to immediately contact the police.

"This vandalism must be stopped."

Pc Nic Musto, from Royston's Neighbourhood policing team, is investigating the incident.

He said: "This is thoughtless damage to a public facility, which shows a complete lack of respect for the purpose of the gardens.

"We are keen to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident, or who may have any information relating to the offenders."

Anyone with information should call Pc Musto on 0845 3300222.