Ilkley war memorial targeted twice in a week as Leeds police investigate racially aggravated hate crimes

Tom Coates
By Tom Coates
Published 19th Oct 2022, 15:51 BST
Updated 19th Oct 2022, 16:19 BST
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A war memorial in Ilkley has been vandalised twice in the space of a week.

Two racially aggravated hate crimes in relation to the two incidents have been recorded by police. The first incident at the Ilkley War Memorial was reported on October 16 and the second was reported this morning (October 19).

West Yorkshire Police are now appealing for witnesses.

Inspector John Barker, head of the Keighley Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “This vandalism will undoubtedly, and rightly, have caused a great deal of offence in the community. My Neighbourhood Team have stepped up patrols in the area and will continue to be a visible presence in the area.

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Two racially aggravated hate crimes in relation to the two incidents have also been recorded by police. Image: Bruce RollinsonTwo racially aggravated hate crimes in relation to the two incidents have also been recorded by police. Image: Bruce Rollinson
Two racially aggravated hate crimes in relation to the two incidents have also been recorded by police. Image: Bruce Rollinson

“An investigation is underway to find the person responsible and we are currently looking through CCTV. We have been liaising with Bradford Council about the matter and I would ask anyone who has any information about the incidents or may have seen anything suspicious near the Ilkley War Memorial to come forward.

“Information can be given to the Keighley Neighbourhood Policing Team on 101 referencing crime number 13220570925 or online at www.westyorkshire.police.uk/101livechat. Information can also be given anonymously to the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.”