A man who snuffed out the Eternal Flame at the Shrine of Remembrance could face additional penalties under laws designed to give the war memorial special protection from vandals.

Police have released security footage of a man using a fire extinguisher to put out the flame.

A fire extinguisher was used to douse the Eternal Flame. Credit:Jerry Galea

The footage shows the man climbing over barriers to get to the flame about 8.20am on Friday. He is described as Caucasian, slim build, 170 centimetres tall, in his early 40s and wearing a dark woollen jumper. He was also carrying a distinctive black and blue striped shoulder bag.

The flame sits at the foot of a cenotaph and was lit by Queen Elizabeth at the dedication ceremony in 1954 to symbolise the heroism of those who who gave their lives during the years of the Second World War.

The Shrine and its surrounds are preserved under the Shrine of Remembrance Act making it an offence to contravene regulations, which include the flame’s preservation.

Wind and rain have been known to extinguish the flame, including in the early 1990s during the Anzac Day service. Vandals also used a beer to douse the flame in 2006.

Anyone with information about the Friday incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppers.com.au





