POLICE are investigating after the Bradford City Fire Memorial in the city centre was said to have been "desecrated" with "graffiti".
West Yorkshire Police confirmed today that it had launched an investigation after a sculpture in Centenary Square, erected in memory of those who lost their lives in the tragic fire at Valley Parade in May, 1985, was damaged and defaced.
Inspector Richard Baildon of Bradford City Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) said: "I am profoundly sad that someone has defaced the Bradford City Fire Memorial, which means a great deal to the people of Bradford.
"We are taking this matter seriously and are working closely with our colleagues at the council to look through CCTV to identify the offender.
“I would appeal for anyone who saw anything suspicious to come forward.”
Graham Robinson posted on Twitter about the vandalism this morning and said the statue had graffiti on it when he saw the sculpture.
He added: "Appalled last night to see the BCAFC fire memorial in town desecrated."
But when the T&A visited the statue this morning, it seemed any damage and graffiti had been repaired and cleaned.
The sculpture was also adorned with a Bradford City flag.
It comes just a week before a memorial service is due to take place at the statue, to remember those who died and were injured on that fateful day 37 years ago.
The city of Bradford is set to unite in Centenary Square for the first time since 2019 on May 11 at 11am for the 37th anniversary of the tragedy.
The day was marked with an online service over the last couple of years due to the restrictions of the pandemic.
The service will be attended by friends and relatives of the 56 people who died or were injured at Valley Parade in the disaster in 1985.
Bradford City were playing Lincoln City in their last home match of the season when a fire broke out in the stands.
It claimed the lives of 54 Bradford City supporters and two travelling Lincoln fans, injuring hundreds more.
Police are appealing for information in relation to their investigation into the vandalism of the memorial statue.
Anyone with any information, or who witnessed anything, should contact police on 101 or using the contact options on the West Yorkshire Police website.
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