YOUNG vandals who defaced and beheaded popular sand sculptures are being sought by police.

An array of detailed sculptures were erected in Redcar recently to pay homage to war heroes from the area.

Five of the six artistic creations, which are located close to the town’s boating lake, have been significantly damaged by vandals who left some models without heads and others with their features defaced.

Footage captured by nearby CCTV cameras at around 5am on Thursday, July 12 shows several youths carrying out the damage.

Councillor Carl Quartermain, Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council Cabinet Member for Culture, Tourism and Communications, said: “This is simply unacceptable.

“The council and many other groups work hard to make our borough an attractive and appealing place to visit. The sand art event in its fourth year attracts visitors from all over the North East. This irreparable damage will have a negative impact on our visitor economy.

“It’s also insulting because the sculptures depict local stories and characters associated the First World War to commemorate this year’s centenary of the end of hostilities.

“Vandals shouldn’t get away with destroying that work and making our area look bad to visitors and locals. We won’t tolerate it.

“Anyone with any information about who carried out this damage should report it to the police and help catch these vandals.”

Anyone with information should contact the force on non-emergency number 101 quoting event number SE18126216 or alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.