The Royal British Legion in Ely has expressed outrage after a war veteran's memorial bench was daubed with graffiti - including racist terms - just days before the city's annual Remembrance events.

The bench, located in Cherry Hill Park, was donated by Mary Neal in 2021 following the passing of her late husband Roy.

The offensive graffiti, which included the 'n' word and covered the entire bench was discovered on Wednesday, November 6, 

The incident was reported to police and chairman David Martin said the vandals had "no respect" for the memorial. 

A spokesperson for East Cambridgeshire District Council said it had been "made aware" of the vandalism and sent a cleaning team to remove the graffiti. 

They added: "Following the cleaning, the bench will require some re-staining."

It is understood the bench cost around £900 and was paid for by Ms Neal to reflect the support the City of Ely Royal British Legion offered her husband who served in the Royal Artillery.  

The bench was donated by Mary Neil in 2021 following the passing of her late husband Roy Neil. Mary Neal (right) with City of Ely Royal British Legion president Ian Lindsay (left). (Image: City of Ely Royal British Legion) Mr Martin told the Ely Standard: "As you can imagine, I'm not just a chairman but I'm a veteran myself, and I'm disgusted by the behaviour of these mindless vandals who obviously do not realise the significance of the bench. 

"The bench is of huge significance to Ms Neal whose husband passed away and wanted to thank the Royal British Legion community for what they did to support them both.  

"What makes this act even more deplorable is the fact that we are just days away from Remembrance Sunday, a time when we we're trying to remember all those who sacrifice their lives and who continue to serve the country.

"The lack of respect is shocking and I just hope that the police are able to catch those that are responsible."

It is understood the bench cost around £900.It is understood the bench cost around £900. (Image: RBL) A number of residents have volunteered to clean the bench, with one social media user offering to send a steam cleaning van to the site. 

A spokesperson for Cambridgeshire Police said: “We were contacted at 10.52am today (6 November) with reports of damage being caused to a bench in Cherry Hill Park, Ely.

“Anyone with information should contact police via Cambridgeshire Constabulary's website using reference 35/80760/24. Anyone without internet access should call 101.”

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