Police are investigating after “extremely disrespectful” vandalisation damaged a ‘Tommy’, Watford’s mayor has said.

After the silhouette figure of a First World War soldier was damaged “beyond repair” in St Albans Road, Watford, the borough council has confirmed that police are investigating.

It follows local councillors sharing the “sad” news that the statue outside the North Watford Post Office would have to be removed, yesterday afternoon (November 3).

Watford mayor Peter Taylor said: “The vandalisation of Tommy memorials is unbelievably sad, extremely disrespectful and completely unacceptable.

“We are aware of this dreadful incident and so are the police, who are urgently looking into it. We take this issue very seriously and we will replace them as quickly as possible.

Watford Observer: The 'Tommy' silhouette in St Albans Road. The 'Tommy' silhouette in St Albans Road. (Image: Cllr Dennis Watling)

“The purpose of the memorials is to educate all generations about the sacrifices made by many in conflicts and to raise funds to help those suffering from the hidden wounds of war.

“It is a project that the council have supported since 2018 and one that is close to many people's hearts. I'm sure everyone in Watford is as appalled and distressed by this as I am.”

Watford Observer: The 'Tommy' silhouette in St Albans Road. The 'Tommy' silhouette in St Albans Road. (Image: Cllr Dennis Watling)

After it was reported, the Tommy was assessed to see if it could be patched up but it was decided that it needed to be removed for safety purposes.

The silhouettes are put up in the town each year. In 2022 the one on the Kingswood estate was “trampled” and vandalised, while in 2021 a Tommy was kicked and stolen within 24 hours of being put up in the Meriden area.