London's WW2 Bomber Command Memorial vandalised Published duration 21 January 2019 Related Topics World War Two

image copyright EPA image caption The RAF Benevolent Fund said it will cost thousands of pounds to repair the memorial

Vandalism of the Bomber Command Memorial in London has been described as "mindless" and a "disgrace" by Britain's last surviving Dambuster.

White paint was thrown over the tribute in Green Park and a statue of Sir Winston Churchill in New Bond Street.

George "Johnny" Johnson said it was "disrespectful to the nearly 58,000 people who gave their lives."

The RAF Benevolent Fund said it was the fourth time in six years the statue of air crew had been targeted.

The Metropolitan Police said it was investigating reports of criminal damage to a number of statues in London.

image copyright PA image caption Paint was also thrown on the Allies statue featuring Franklin D Roosevelt and Sir Winston Churchill

The memorial, which commemorates the members of Bomber Command who died in World War Two, was found sprayed with paint which was still wet at "daybreak" on Monday.

You may also be interested in:

Mr Johnson, a squadron leader with the Dambusters who conducted raids on German dams in 1943, said he hoped those who damaged the statues "are caught soon, and suitably punished".

image copyright Getty Images image caption Sq Ldr George "Johnny" Johnson said the attack was disgraceful

The RAF Benevolent Fund said it estimates that repairs could run into thousands of pounds.

Air Vice-Marshal David Murray, the charity's chief executive, said it was "the worst example of vandalism we have seen at the memorial".

"This despicable act took just moments but will take considerable time and resources to put right," he said.

image copyright RAF Benevolent Fund/PA image caption No arrests have been made over the vandalism

Police are investigating the damage caused to the two statues, as well as reports of vandalism to the Canada Memorial in Green Park.