Girl, 15, held over cenotaph graffiti

A 15-year-old girl has been arrested following a vandal attack on a city's cenotaph, police said today.

The teenager, who has since been released on police bail pending further inquiries, was detained earlier this week after graffiti was painted on the war memorial near Wolverhampton's Civic Centre.

West Midlands Police, who described the vandalism as disgraceful, are now stepping up patrols in the area around the cenotaph in St Peter's Gardens.

Steve Wright, Wolverhampton City Council's head of parks, said city centre wardens would also be increasing their patrols in the area and that anyone found with the means to create graffiti would face arrest.

"We are currently investigating the best way to remove this offensive graffiti, which we think will cost at least £600," he said.

"The war memorial is a listed monument and so great care needs to be taken when cleaning it so that no damage is done to the soft sandstone surface.

"It is hoped that the graffiti will be removed by a specialist contractor as soon as possible."

Anyone with information relating to the incident is asked to contact West Midlands Police on 0345 113 5000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.