CCTV Released Of First World War Tribute Defaced With Paint

Police believe the vandalism is racially aggravated (Picture: West Midlands Police).

Police investigating graffiti sprayed near a newly-unveiled war memorial have issued CCTV images of two people at the scene.

Officers are treating the vandalism to the wall surrounding the Lions of the Great War statue in Smethwick, West Midlands, as a racially aggravated offence.

The memorial was only officially unveiled on November 4th and depicts a First World War Sikh soldier.

It was commissioned to mark the sacrifices made by South Asian servicemen of all faiths.

The words "Sepoys no more" are believed to have been sprayed on the memorial in the early hours of Friday November 9, and officers are keen to trace two people caught on camera nearby.

The term sprayed on the memorial relates to soldiers who served in the British Indian Army.

Superintendent Martin Hurcomb, from Sandwell Police, said: "Officers are working closely with the congregation and management at the nearby Guru Nanak Sikh Temple as we understand that this attack has caused a lot of concern in the community.

"Work continues to try to understand the reasons behind what happened and identify whoever is responsible.

"I'd urge anyone who recognises the people in this CCTV to get in touch as soon as possible."