Memorials to two murdered police officers have been defaced within hours of each other prompting officials to launch a probe into the ‘linked’ incidents.
The first report of vandalism was made on Saturday afternoon where a tribute to PC Ian Broadhurst, shot and killed in Leeds on Boxing Day 2003, had been damaged.
Wreaths and flowers laid at the site were found strewn about and black paint sprayed on the stone.
The following morning, police were made aware of a similar incident involving the memorial to Sgt John Speed, who was shot and killed in Leeds city centre on October 31, 1984.
Black paint had been sprayed on the memorial stone at about 1am that morning.
Police say they believe the incidents are likely to be linked given the timings and similarities and have branded the vandalism ‘disgusting’.
Leeds District Commander, Chief Superintendent Steve Dodds said: ‘It is absolutely disgusting that someone would deliberately deface the memorials honouring the memories of PC Ian Broadhurst and Sgt John Speed, who were murdered in the line of duty and made the ultimate sacrifice while attempting to protect the public from armed and dangerous offenders.
‘I know I speak for everyone in West Yorkshire Police and the wider policing family when I say how appalled we are about these incidents.
‘PC Broadhurst’s memorial has now been cleaned, and Sgt Speed’s is due to be restored to its rightful condition shortly. Thankfully we don’t expect there to be any lasting damage to either.
‘We are carrying out enquiries to identify who was responsible, and we are keen to hear from anyone who witnessed either incident, saw anyone acting suspiciously in the vicinity of either incident or who has any information that could assist the investigation.’
