Four memorial benches had paint poured over them.

Vandals destroyed the benches in West Parade, Bexhill, which had only just been installed and were due to have plaques fitted to them.

A Rother District Council statement described the damage, which took place earlier this month, as “heartless”.

Project sponsor Coun Christopher Starnes said: “It's incredibly insensitive of these vandals.

Criminal damage is never acceptable, but to do it to a memorial bench is especially mindless.

Anyone with information on the incident should contact the council on 01424 787000.