Cowardly Vandals Target Police Memorials in Leeds

Idiots target memorials of fallen officers, sparking outrage and a police investigation

Some acts are so disgraceful they defy belief. Over the weekend, two police memorials in Leeds were vandalised in what can only be described as a despicable and cowardly attack on the memory of brave police officers who gave their lives in the line of duty.

On Saturday evening, the memorial dedicated to PC Ian Broadhurst—who was murdered on Boxing Day in 2003—was defaced with black paint. Wreaths and flowers left at the site to honour his sacrifice were tossed aside like rubbish. Just hours later, in the early hours of Sunday morning, the memorial to Sgt John Speed—gunned down in 1984 while trying to protect his colleagues—was targeted in an identical cowardly attack. Black paint was sprayed over the stone that bears his name, a crude insult to a man who died while bravely protecting the public—only for his sacrifice to be dishonoured by the very same cowardice that led to this act of vandalism.

West Yorkshire Police have made it clear that these incidents are likely linked, given the timings and the similarities in the damage caused. Whoever is responsible for this disgraceful behaviour clearly planned it and executed it deliberately. This was no random act of vandalism. This was an intentional, targeted attempt to desecrate the memory of two brave officers who paid the ultimate price. The individuals responsible for this vile act are the lowest of the low—contemptible, spineless cowards who have no place in a decent society. They are stealing oxygen that could be better used by more worthy creatures.

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Leeds District Commander, Chief Superintendent Steve Dodds, did not mince his words:

“It is absolutely disgusting that someone would deliberately deface the memorials honouring the memories of PC Ian Broadhurst and Sgt John Speed, who were murdered in the line of duty and made the ultimate sacrifice while attempting to protect the public from armed and dangerous offenders.

“I know I speak for everyone in West Yorkshire Police and the wider policing family when I say how appalled we are about these incidents.”

The damage to both memorials is now being repaired. PC Broadhurst’s has already been cleaned, and Sgt Speed’s will be restored shortly. But the fact that these repairs even have to be made is infuriating. How dare these vandals think they can tarnish the legacies of officers who gave their lives protecting others? The West Yorkshire Police Federation rightly condemned the attacks, with Chair Craig Nicholls calling the vandalism “despicable, heartbreaking and infuriating.”

“Sgt John Speed gave his life protecting our community, and his Police Memorial stands as a symbol of his courage and sacrifice. To see it vandalised with black paint is not just disrespectful—it’s a slap in the face to everything he stood for, and to the family, friends, and colleagues who still honour his memory.”

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Sgt John Speed was posthumously awarded the Queen's Commendation for Brave Conduct after he was murdered while aiding a fellow officer who had come under fire during a routine check. His memorial has stood since 1986, a reminder of his bravery. And now, some pathetic lowlife with a spray can thought they had the right to desecrate it.

Craig Nicholls put it best when he said:

“Who could do something so vile? This isn’t just damage to a monument; it’s an attack on the values of respect, gratitude, and community.”

West Yorkshire Police are investigating and have appealed for witnesses to come forward. The public response has been overwhelming, with people expressing their outrage and support for the officers’ families and colleagues. The Police Memorial Trust, which oversees the upkeep of these sacred sites, has also been contacted to ensure that both memorials are restored swiftly.

As you would expect, we will be keeping a close eye on this story. Just as soon as the coward responsible is caught, we will let you know so make sure you subscribe to this newsletter for updates.

If you know who did this, do the right thing. Call Leeds East Neighbourhood Policing Team on 101, quoting crime reference 13250046082. Let’s bring these disgraceful individuals to justice.

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Opinion: A Personal Message to the Fools Responsible for the Damage

The truth is, the officers whose memorials you desecrated had more bravery, more integrity, and honour than your sorry excuse for a human being will ever have. You represent everything that is wrong with the dregs of our society, the bottom feeders, who have nothing to offer humanity. Whereas PC Broadhurst and Sgt Speed gave their lives to protect decent people, I am going to guess that you have only ever taken from society.

You are thieves of dignity and respect. You stole a moment of peace from the families who still mourn their loss, you stole the sanctity of a place meant for reflection, and you stole the honour from those who rightfully deserve it. What did you gain? A moment of notoriety? A twisted sense of rebellion? You're not rebels; you're just pathetic losers with nothing better to do than to tear down what others have built up in tribute.

Do you think your act of vandalism sends some message? If it does, it's that you lack the courage to face your own insignificance, so you choose to deface something sacred. You decided to attack when no one was watching, in the dead of night, because you know deep down you're nothing more than a coward…