Thugs vandalise World War I memorial with homophobic graffiti and swastikas
A World War I memorial in north Wales has been vandalised with homophobic graffiti and swastikas.
A number of swastikas alongside an anti-gay slur were sprawled on the statue of a soldier memorialising World War One on Flint Foreshore, reported North Wales Live on Monday (March 11).
“To Tom. Good luck in war,” reads the graffiti.
“You are a f*g. Go die in war.”
Homophobic graffiti and swastikas sprawled on World War I memorial
Swastikas were also sprawled on the soldier’s chest and arm.
The swastika, a geometrical figure, dates back to 500 BC in Asia, where it was used as a symbol of divinity.
It was later used by the Nazis as a symbol of the Aryan race in the 1930s until the downfall of the regime at the end of World War II in 1945.
The remainder of the graffiti on the World War I statue is illegible.
The sculpture was unveiled last year. It was designed by a local artist called Mike Owen.
“This is a despicable act and I hope those who did it are caught. The efforts of the town to improve our coastal walkway will not be thwarted by this mindless act.”
—Delyn MP David Hanson
Politicians slam those behind defacing of World War I memorial in north Wales
Politicians have criticised those responsible for the vandalism.
Delyn MP David Hanson told North Wales Live: “This is a despicable act and I hope those who did it are caught.
“The efforts of the town to improve our coastal walkway will not be thwarted by this mindless act.
Two swastikas were graffitied on the World War I memorial. (North Wales Live)
“To have swastikas and homophobic abuse is appalling – that’s not what Flint represents and anyone with any information should report it to the police on 101.”
Meanwhile, Hannah Blythyn, assembly member for Delyn, told North Wales Live: “The actions of those responsible in defacing the Flint soldier is reprehensible.
“This shames our proud and tolerant community in Flint and I am disgusted at this mindless act of vandalism.”
Watch the North Wales Live news segment below:
