Remembrance garden vandalised in 'deplorable act of malicious violence'

Wooden crosses and sign damaged with items scattered across site commemorating Britain's armed forces

The garden is a tribute to those who have served or continue to serve in the UK’s armed forces (Twitter/RBLS Riders Branch)

A remembrance garden has been vandalised in an “act of malicious violence”.

The incident happened at the site in East Princes Street Gardens in Edinburgh between 12am and 9am on Saturday.

Damage was caused to wooden crosses and a sign, with items scattered across the poppy garden.

A joint statement from Poppyscotland and Legion Scotland said: “When our staff and volunteers arrived for duty yesterday morning they were understandably distressed by what they found.

“This is a truly deplorable and disrespectful act of malicious violence which has caused immense upset to countless people.

“The garden and field of remembrance is a very special place and thousands of locals and visitors alike spend time reflecting and remembering there each year.”

Staff worked to restore the site after contacting police.

The garden is a tribute to those who have served or continue to serve in the UK’s armed forces.

Hundreds of hours are spent each year planting more than 8,000 poppies.

Wreaths are also laid by representatives of a wide spectrum of organisations during a service to remember the fallen at the opening of the garden.

Inspector Alan Struthers, of Howdenhall police station, said: “This is a reckless and thoughtless act and we need the public’s help to trace whoever did this.

“We have already conducted local enquiries. The gates were locked so the person or persons who did this would’ve had to climb over the fence.

“We would ask if anyone saw anything suspicious to speak to a police officer or contact us on 101, quoting incident number 1318.”

Poppies growing on First World War battle sites inspired Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae to write the poem In Flanders Fields.

The flower has since become a symbol of remembrance.

PA