ONE of a row of soldier silhouettes placed in tribute to the UK's fallen heroes has been ripped from its place by the Thames and thrown into the river.

The act of vandalism outside Purfleet-on-Thames Heritage and Military Centre on Centurion Way on the Garrison estate took place last night (Wednesday, 3 July).

The silhouette was ripped from its base and thrown into the river

It is reported that six people of Asian appearance, made up of five young males and female, were seen ripping out one of the metal silhouettes on river bank then throwing in the river. It was one of 26 statues, the closest to a bench on the river pathway.

It is not the first time acts of vandalism have taken place by the riverside.

Vandals last struck in 2020.

In May 2020 a number of wooden silhouettes around the site were smashed. That sparked outrage that made national news headlines and a Yorkshire firm, ACS Stainless Steel offered to make new metal statues, which have since stood by the riverside.

The Heritage Centre's founder, Alan Gosling, said he was shocked by the latest act of vandalism, telling Thurrock Nub News: "This senseless vandalism is shocking. You have to wonder what could possibly be the motivation to do something like this. It's not only disrespectful, it is impossible for me to undersatdn why anyone would do this.

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"If anyone has any information about this please let us know or tell the police."

The centre is run entirely by volunteers in a former Gunpowder magazine and is one of the borough's historical gems where a number of memorial events take place throughout the year and the centre is opened three times a week to show off a large and unique collection of memorabilia and military artefacts.