A crowd of people gathered today (Mon) for a rededication service at Sandbach War Memorial in the town centre.

Vicar of St Mary's Church in Sandbach, Rev Bee Boyde, led a short service which included prayers at the war memorial in Market Square.

The service follows the arrest of a 21-year-old man yesterday (Sunday) on suspicion of criminal damage and theft. The man is currently being held in police custody.

Today (Monday) a crowd, including members of the Cheshire Regiment and the Royal British Legion Sandbach and Sandbach Town Council, gathered for a service.

They also included Lesley Swirl and Denise Murrell whose cross belonging to their late uncle, William Chadwick, was also damaged.

Lesley Swirl and Denise Murrell holding their late uncle's wooden cross which is being taken away for repair.

"Our uncle was in the Navy and part of the wooden cross has been broken off," said Lesley from Winterley.

"We have taken it away to be repaired. Our family is upset about what has happened."

William Chadwick's name on the War Memorial in Sandbach

Tom Price-Jones, president of Royal British Legion Sandbach and chair, Majorie Newton, are also upset.

Mr Price-Jones said: "I have never heard of this happening in all my time here in Sandbach.

"It's dreadful and something you just wouldn't expect to happen. We're grateful for all the helpers who sorted it out yesterday."

A statement issued today by Cheshire police said: "Officers attended the scene and found that a number of wreaths had been removed from the memorial and thrown into a nearby stream (pictured below).

"Wooden crosses which had been laid on the memorial were also damaged. The incident is believed to have taken place on Saturday evening.

"An investigation was quickly undertaken by the local policing unit and a 21-year-old local man has since been arrested in connection with the incident."

Inspector Jim Adams, of Congleton Local Policing Unit, said: "This was a deplorable act and I understand the emotional distress that it has caused in the local community.

"We are committed to doing all we can to ensure the person responsible for the damage is held accountable and I hope that the swift arrest of a suspect will provide some reassurance."