RESIDENTS were left "gutted" after vandals tore down a Union Jack and "disrespected" a war memorial.

The incident reportedly occurred at the Sandy Lane community centre in Saltney on Friday night. 

A Union Jack is thought to have been torn down from its position on the community centre, with the flag pole stolen, and a large bin was placed in front of the Silent Soldier silhouette - which commemorates all those who fell in the First and Second World War. 

The Leader: NewsquestNewsquest (Image: Newsquest)

Saltney resident, Veronica Gay, described it as a "wicked and spiteful act".

She added: "I am absolutely gutted that someone could be so disrespectful and heartless to do such vandalism. 

"Surely this isn't the true face of Saltney? But it's the one we're showing time and again. It's heartbreaking."

The Leader: What the display looked like before the vandalism. What the display looked like before the vandalism. (Image: Newsquest)

Other residents took to social media to brand those responsible as "moronic" and "disrespectful". 

Thankfully, Corbett Sports bookmakers in Saltney kindly replaced the Union Jack flag pole before the Queen's funeral. 

Veronica added: "A big thank you for Corbett bookmakers for what they did, and a local resident who kindly offered their time to help tidy up the area.

"This is the sort of community spirit which Saltney is all about."

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