TWENTY large poppies - intended to commemorate the hundredth anniversary of the First World War Armistice - have been torn from railings around a war memorial in Bridlington.

Humberside Police Inspector Rob Cocker said the act of vandalism, which happened in Wellington Road on Sunday evening, had shown a 'complete lack of respect for those who fought and died for our freedom.'

He said: "I want to reassure the residents of Bridlington that it will not go unpunished.

“We are working hard to gather evidence to trace those responsible and would ask for anyone who can assist us to get in touch.

“The poppies that were removed have not yet been found. If you come across them or you saw someone carrying the flowers yesterday evening, please let us know."

Anyone with information should call the force on 101, quoting log number 125 of October 22.