A war memorial for a spitfire pilot who crashed in Walton during the Battle of Britain has been vandalised in a “mindless act” days after a new feature was added.

A cabinet, made by Walton resident Gary Miller, 45, was added to the memorial for Flight Sergeant Charles Sydney in Station Avenue to house the new wreath, which was placed during a memorial service on Sunday, September 29.

Flt Sgt Sydney, who was from Kent, was 25-years-old when his plane was shot down over Walton on September 27, 1940, as he was trying to protect the station from German bombs.

A plaque to commemorate Flt Sgt Sydney was placed at the site in 2000 and a memorial service to remember his life is held every year.

Just ten days after the service, on Wednesday, October 6, Mr Miller made the shocking discovery that the Perspex on the front of the cabinet had been smashed.

Mr Miller said: “I was a very unhappy chappy. It is not the fact the cabinet has been damaged. It is the fact of what the cabinet is there for. It is a memorial for a fighter pilot at the end of the day.

“I can’t even get it in my head that somebody has got the mentality to do that.

“It is a community thing. This was built up over the past three years and 50 or 60 people go to a memorial service and show a bit of respect. It is not just me it’s getting to, it is a whole group of people.”

Councillor Christine Elmer, who co-ordinates Charles Sydney’s memorial service, said she believed someone had deliberately kicked the cabinet or taken something heavy to it.

Coun Elmer said: “We are quite ashamed really. Why would anybody want to do that? Somebody has obviously done it deliberately and we are so shocked.

“Charles Sydney gave his life for our freedom and people are going and desecrating his memorial.”

Dominic Raab, MP for Esher and Walton, said: "This kind of mindless yobbery is totally unacceptable. I hope the police find the culprits and come down on them like a ton of bricks."

Officers from Surrey Police believe the vandalism took place between Sunday, October 6, and Wednesday, October 9, and are appealing for information and witnesses to come forward.

PC Chris Binns, Elmbridge neighbourhood officer, said: “Nothing could have been gained from carrying out such a mindless act of criminal damage that has caused a great deal of upset to members of the community.

“The offenders are likely to be local and I would appeal to anyone who has seen or heard anything suspicious relating to this incident to contact officers with information.

“This kind of behaviour simply will not be tolerated and we need to catch those responsible and bring them to justice.”

Anyone with information should call Surrey Police as a matter of urgency on 101 quoting reference P13307369 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.