Memorials to slain police officers were vandalized

Memorials to two West Yorkshire Police officers killed in the line of duty have been vandalised.

On Saturday, black paint was sprayed on the memorial stone of PC Ian Broadhurst, who was shot dead in 2003. On Sunday, the memorial to Sergeant John Speed, who was murdered in 1984, was also targeted.

Police said they believe the two incidents are connected.

Leeds District Commander, Captain Steve Dodds, described the actions as “absolutely disgusting”.

He added: “It is absolutely disgusting that someone would deliberately deface monuments honoring the memories of PC Ian Broadhurst and Sgt John Speed, who were murdered in the line of duty and attempting to protect the public from armed and dangerous men. Gave his supreme sacrifice while doing so.” Criminal.”

West Yorkshire Police said it was alerted to the damage caused to PC Broadhurst’s memorial on Saturday and believed it was targeted between 18:10 and 18:20 GMT.

Bal said that along with the paint on the stone, garlands and flowers kept at the spot were also scattered here and there.

Police were made aware of vandalism at a second monument on Sunday morning and believe the damage occurred in the early hours of the morning.

CH Superintendent Dodds said that the memorial to PC Broadhurst had been cleaned and that of Sgt Speed ​​would be similarly restored.

He added, “Thankfully we do not expect there to be any permanent damage.”

PC Ian Broadhurst was shot dead by former US marine David Bieber in the Fernville area of ​​the city on Boxing Day 2003. Bieber was sentenced to a minimum of 37 years in prison for his murder.

Sergeant John Speed ​​was shot dead near the former Leeds Parish Church on Kirkgate in 1984 when he went to assist a colleague who was investigating two men acting suspiciously.

The memorials of both the officers were previously targeted by miscreants in 2010, 2012 and 2018.

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