MEMORIALS dedicated to fallen soldiers of the First and Second World Wars have been defaced with hate messages.

The shocking incident at Rhyl War Memorial Garden has seen two headstones and plaques covered in a swastika, Iron Cross and statements related to the Nazi Party.

The graffiti, written in black marker pen, also referenced the popular war novel Catch-22.

The incident is understood to have taken place on Monday, February 22.

A North Wales Police spokesperson said officers are investigating the incident.

Richard Kendrick, volunteer for the Royal British Legion, said: "Someone has put graffiti on two of the stones and plaques. Can't understand who would do such an awful thing.

"It is a sad day when someone would do such an awful act.

"These stones are dedicated to the men and women from Rhyl who have given their lives for us over the past 125 years."

Denbighshire County Council and Rhyl Town Council are expected to carry out a clean up of the memorials.

A Rhyl Town Council spokesperson said: "The council is disappointed and saddened that a memorial erected by the residents of Rhyl to honour the memory of their relatives, friends and neighbours, who gave their lives in the service of their country should be vandalised in this way.

"Work to remove the graffiti is underway."

Cllr Brian Jones, Denbighshire County Council cabinet member who represents the Rhyl south east ward, said: “On behalf of the council I would like to express our shock and sadness at this act of vandalism.

“We have provided officers and equipment to assist Rhyl Town Council with the clean-up operation.”

A police spokesperson said patrols have been stepped up around the Dyserth Road area.

"We are investigating a report of criminal damage at the war memorial," the spokesperson said.

"We will be increasing patrols around the location.

"We would ask any witnesses or anyone with information to contact the police quoting reference 21000118201."

If you have any information related to this incident call police on 101.