A vandalised memorial bench for two girls murdered in a Brighton park will be replaced.

The Babes in the Wood bench in Wild Park, Brighton, is to be replaced in a special one-off joint initiative by Brighton and Hove City Council and Sussex Police.

The move reflects both the exceptionally horrific nature of the crimes and widespread anger and revulsion in the city at the vandalism.

The council’s lead member for the environment, Councillor Gill Mitchell, said: "This has touched a nerve with everyone I’ve spoken to over the last 24 hours. People are really upset about it.

"The families of the two girls must be devastated at the mindless desecration of a memorial to their loved ones.

"We think these are exceptional circumstances and I’m pleased that our colleagues at Sussex Police feel the same. We will be working jointly to replace the bench at no expense to the families.”

Sussex Police’s Chief Superintendent for Brighton & Hove, Nev Kemp, said: "We have offered to make a contribution to the costs of the repair and replacement of the bench because of the exceptionally tragic event that happened here in 1986.

"Many local people will never forget what happened and nor will we, and this is an opportunity to demonstrate that by making a contribution towards something useful for the local community.”