A vandalised memorial bench for two girls who were murdered in Wild Park, Brighton, is to be replaced in a special one-off joint initiative by Brighton and Hove City Council and Sussex Police.
Damage to the bench, whose slats had been ripped off, was discovered by park users yesterday morning.
The move to replace it reflects both the exceptionally horrific nature of the crimes and widespread anger and revulsion in the city at the vandalism.
The council’s lead member for the environment, Councillor Gill Mitchell, said: “This has touched a nerve with everyone I’ve spoken to over the last 24 hours. People are really upset about it.
“The families of the two girls must be devastated at the mindless desecration of a memorial to their loved ones.
“We think these are exceptional circumstances and I’m pleased that our colleagues at Sussex Police feel the same. We will be working jointly to replace the bench at no expense to the families.”
Sussex Police divisional commander for Brighton and Hove, Chief Superintendent Nev Kemp, said: “We have offered to make a contribution to the costs of the repair and replacement of the bench because of the exceptionally tragic event that happened here in 1986.
“Many local people will never forget what happened and nor will we, and this is an opportunity to demonstrate that by making a contribution towards something useful for the local community.”
Well done but after being informed by a police inspector that the CCTV was obscured by foliage one wonders why that issue was not addressed ,then perhaps the perpetrators of such a heinous crime could be identified
feel free to quote me Roly of France xx