Vandalism at Fulwell war memorial condemned.

A war memorial in Sunderland's Fulwell area was vandalized with graffiti and damaged paving stones, causing outrage among the community.

The memorial, currently undergoing renovation as part of a community project that raised over £30,000, honors those who sacrificed their lives for freedom.

Councillor Michael Hartnack condemned the attack, calling it "disgusting" and highlighting the disrespect shown towards the memorial and its significance.

Sunderland City Council strongly condemned the vandalism, urging anyone with information to come forward and assist the police in their investigation.

The memorial, located near Seaburn Recreation Ground, was originally a shelter but was later transformed into seating with a bronze plaque featuring names of the fallen.

Plans are underway to replace the seating with a galvanized steel feature depicting poppies, designed by artist Colin Wilbourn.

Despite the setbacks caused by the vandalism, Hartnack, also chair of the Friends of Fulwell War Memorial group, expressed determination to complete the project before Remembrance Sunday in November.

Fulwell resident Nichola Austin-Ratcliffe joined efforts to clean the graffiti, expressing her dismay at the incident and emphasizing the strong community bond in the area.

Contractors have replaced the damaged paving, and the council emphasized the lack of respect shown by the vandals towards the wartime sacrifices remembered at the memorial.

Northumbria Police reported that the attack occurred between Thursday evening and Friday morning and are investigating the incident.