A WAR memorial in Sherfield-on-Loddon has been targeted by vandals.

Police are now appealing for witnesses after extensive damage was caused to the war memorial, in Reading Road.

At some time prior to Thursday, January 30, a large bronze sword was pulled away from the fixings on the war memorial.

Police Community Support Officer James Rickaby said: "We believe that an attempt was made to steal the sword which has resulted in this damage.

"The damage was reported to police by a member of the public who noticed it on Thursday, January 30. Did you see any suspicious activity at the war memorial or in the vicinity around this date?"

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact PCSO Rickaby by calling 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.