A GRADE II-listed control tower at a base used in the Second World War has been vandalised by graffiti.
The derelict tower at the former RAF base in Tangmere, near Chichester, was built in 1944, replacing the original building destroyed by a German bombing raid in August 1940.
Sussex Police said the vandalism, which was spotted during a visit to the location, was “disappointing”.
Disappointing to find Graffiti across the grade 2 listed control tower at Tangmere airfield today when we attended the location
— Sussex Police Rural Crime Team (@SussexRuralCops) September 5, 2022
#27901,#EA771 pic.twitter.com/zbLkDIrV5r
The base was a key fighter station during the war, playing a notable role in the Battle of Britain, with the control tower used for missions to occupied Europe towards the end of the conflict.
The historic building also contributed to significant moments in the airfield’s later history, including breaking two world air speed records.
However, the tower has fallen into disrepair since the base closed in 1970, despite campaigns from residents to keep the building in good condition.
The tower is one of the last remaining structures from the RAF base, with the runways removed to be used for farmland.
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