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War memorial damaged in village collision

Peter Allen A war memorial is cracked and broken, its cross fallen onto the grass next to it. Wreaths and debris are scattered around.Peter Allen
The monument still had remembrance wreaths on it at the time of the collision

A village's war memorial has been badly damaged after being hit by a vehicle.

The stone cross in Awbridge, Hampshire, was knocked off its plinth and several of the large blocks at its base were dislodged following the collision early on Friday.

The monument, which is situated opposite the primary school at the junction of Romsey Road and Danes Road, still had remembrance wreaths on it at the time.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary is investigating the damage to the memorial, which was first unveiled in 1921.

Peter Allen An alternate view of the damage. More debris can be seen from this angle. The village sign can be glimpsed in the background.Peter Allen
The memorial in Awbridge was first unveiled in 1921

Nick Adams-King, leader of Hampshire County Council, said on his Facebook page that the damage was "heartbreaking".

He added: "The police are investigating but it would seem whoever did this disappeared without admitting responsibility.

"Someone must be aware of what happened and who was involved.

"If this was you then please do the right thing and own up, your insurers should cover the cost of the repair to the memorial for the village."

In a statement Hampshire Constabulary said: "We received a report that at some time overnight between Thursday 2 January and Friday 3 January, a vehicle had collided with the Awbridge War Memorial in Awbridge.

"Enquiries are underway to establish the circumstances."

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