Anti-Semitism theory as resort’s landmark sculpture vandalised

Hundreds of pounds have now been pledged by outraged Scarborough residents to help to catch the culprits who threw bright yellow gloss paint over the Second World War memorial, which overlooks the town’s North Bay.

The attack, which happened on Thursday evening, has shocked the community, which campaigned to ensure the statue, called Freddie Gilroy and the Belsen Stragglers, was made a permanent feature on the seafront.

The pensioner who used £50,000 of her life savings to buy the cherished statue for the town wept when she witnessed the desecration. Jakki Wilby, who launched the campaign, said: “I’m just absolutely devastated, especially with it being Holocaust Memorial Day.

“It’s just sick and completely mindless. Whoever did it must realise what the public feeling is towards this sculpture. It’s not just about the statue, it’s about what it stands for.”

Scarborough Inspector Tony Quinn said officers were not ruling out whether it was an anti-Semitic attack due to the significance of the yellow paint; the colour was used by the Nazis to mark Jews in the Second World War.

“It is one of our lines of investigation, however we are open minded,” he said.

A Scarborough Council graffiti removal team removed 99 per cent of the paint yesterday following advice from Durham artist Ray Lonsdale, who created the piece.

A local businessman has offered up a £500 reward to track down the vandals. Councillors, including the authority’s leader, Coun Tom Fox, have also offered up hundreds of pounds.

Anyone with information is being urged to contact police on 101.