Yob attacks memorial to Afghanistan hero

The tree, which was planted in a memorial garden of Gildingwells Road, Woodsetts, was planted in honour of 19-year-old Pte Gavin Elliott, who was killed in Afghanistan in 2009.

But yobs have snapped it in half.

The attack is the second at the playground and neighbouring garden, which was originally created by villagers on the site of  the village’s former infant school as a memorial to 12-year-old Lewis Read, who died after he fell from a conker tree onto the former school’s perimeter fence in 2005.

Pte Elliott serived with  the 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment, and was shot and killed while on foot patrol in the Babaji district of Helmand Province.

Pc Shaun Rhodes, based at Dinnington Police Station, said: “A young boy has come forward and admitted to damaging one of the trees in the garden, although he denies that it was the tree dedicated to Gavin.

“This young man came forward of his own accord and will be dealt with via a course of restorative justice which will see him pay for a replacement tree and carry out community work within Woodsetts."

I though it was a direct attack on us- Pte Ellliot's mum tells of her heartache after the attack. SEE THIS WEEK'S ADVERTISER.