Two women have prompted outrage after they were caught vandalising a memorial bench commemorating First World War heroes while children watched on.
The pair were seen appearing to write their names in wet concrete under the First World War memorial in Horncastle, Lincolnshire.
Locals were shocked by the mindless vandalism, which reportedly took place hours after the bench was installed on February 18.
They were branded "disrespectful", an "absolute disgrace" and "disgusting" on a local community page on Facebook.
Luke Leavens, who lives near Horncastle, was driving past when he saw the incident take place.
He said he saw the women bend down to do something to the concrete, adding that it was "just not right".
Mr Leavens said: “I didn’t realise it was a memorial bench to start with.
“Horncastle has a strong horse heritage, so I saw that and thought maybe the bench was related.
“I saw the the mums went over and bent over to do something.
“It was the following night that I saw on Facebook what the bench was for and what they’d done.
“It’s just not right, that young kid will be influenced by seeing something like that.
“People have made a lot of comments about how bad it was. I was driving past so I couldn’t pull over to stop them, otherwise I would have."
The pictures prompted outrage on the Horncastle Community Page, with many saying they were “bad role models” for the toddlers watching.
Jayne Greig said: “Those children have no hope.”
Sophie Nisbet added: “Actually disgusting, what an example she's setting to her kids.”
Willa Jamieson commented: “Encouraging little kids to commit vandalism! Wow, hang your heads whoever you are.”
A Lincolnshire Police spokeswoman said: "One woman has been voluntarily interviewed in connection with the matter. There have been no arrests or charges."
