Vandals have caused outrage by trying to wreck a memorial to one of Bradford’s leading political sons.

Resident Harry Smith described those responsible for knocking the memorial to former Bradford Councillor Enoch Priestley off its plinth as “mindless idiots”.

And Wibsey ward Councillor Ralph Berry said the vandalism was “totally outrageous”.

Coun Berry (Lab), who helped restore the monument in 2003, said: “I am shocked. It is outrageous and I am appalled and it needs to be fixed as a matter of urgency. This is a very important memorial. It must have taken several people to push it over because it is made of granite..”

The vandalism was discovered by Mr Smith as he walked his dog.

He said: “I would put this act of vandalism on a par with desecrating war memorials or stealing commemorative plaques. That memorial has been there for 85 years and it is very disappointing that this has happened.”

Mr Priestley was a prominent Councillor who was dubbed “Bradford’s Saint” for his work in the city in the early 1900s. Such was his prominence within Bradford, he was unofficially canonised and some roads in the Wibsey area were named after him, including St Enoch’s Road.

Bradford Council leader Dave Green, who also represents Wibsey, said the monument had a real place in the heart of the people of Wibsey.

“Anyone with information about who did this should report it so we can catch the culprits,” he said.

Danny Smith, Bradford Council’s special projects officer parks, said: “The top of the Enoch Priestley memorial was knocked off at the weekend. Our staff brought it back to our depot and we will re-install it next week. We are saddened to see such acts of vandalism in our parks.”

A police spokesman said anyone who has information should contact the Queensbury Royds and Wibsey Neighbourhood Policing Team on 101.

Information can also be given, anonymously, to CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.