Police have launched an investigation after a statue commemorating the First World War was vandalised.

The silhouetted statue of a British 'Tommy' soldier, which stood near Harleston's main war memorial, was attacked earlier this week.

A spokesman for the town council said the memorial, on the town's Broad Street, appeared to have been "stretched".

The spokesman added: "It is with great disappointment that we share news of mindless vandalism at the War Memorial.

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"The WW1 Tommy silhouette soldier, a symbol of remembrance, has been damaged.

"We have promptly removed the statue and placed it in secure storage at a dry location.

"This precautionary measure allows the Crime Scene Investigation team to conduct a forensic examination to collect any potential evidence."

Police say the damage occurred between 5pm on Tuesday and 8am on Wednesday.

They are appealing for witnesses.

Anyone with information should contact Norfolk Police by calling 101 or emailing steven.phillips@norfolk.police.uk and quoting crime reference 36/10457/24.