Police appeal after war memorial at St John-at-Hackney Church desecrated

One of the photographs tweeted by Hackney MPS showing wreaths scattered on the ground around the memorial. Photograph: Hackney MPS

The war memorial at St John-at-Hackney Church was desecrated last night, police have said as they continue to appeal for witnesses to the incident.

The Hackney branch of the Metropolitan Police received a call about a woman destroying the obelisk, which honours men from Hackney who died fighting in both world wars.

Once evidence had been gathered, the officers who attended cleaned and tidied the memorial and paid their respects to the fallen.

A female suspect was arrested and remains in custody.

Anyone who witnessed the desecration is being urged call 0207 275 3113.

The memorial was designed by the sculptor Hermon Cawthra and is a listed monument where remembrance wreaths are traditionally placed.