A man has been charged in connection with the vandalism of two memorials to murdered police officers.
Jonathan Enoch, 56 from the Seacroft suburb of Leeds, allegedly sprayed black paint over memorials to PC Ian Broadhurst and Sgt John Speed.
PC Broadhurst was shot and killed in Leeds on Boxing Day in 2003 and Sgt John Speed was fatally shot in Leeds city centre in October 1984.
West Yorkshire Police were first made aware of the vandalism on Saturday Afternoon when they received reports that black paint had been sprayed on PC Broadhurst’s memorial and flowers had been left strewn about.
The following morning, police were made aware of a similar incident involving the memorial to Sgt Speed.
Black paint had been sprayed on the memorial stone at about 1am that morning.
Speaking on Sunday, Leeds District Commander, Chief Superintendent Steve Dodds said: ‘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.
‘PC Broadhurst’s memorial has now been cleaned, and Sgt Speed’s is due to be restored to its rightful condition shortly. Thankfully we don’t expect there to be any lasting damage to either.
‘We are carrying out enquiries to identify who was responsible, and we are keen to hear from anyone who witnessed either incident, saw anyone acting suspiciously in the vicinity of either incident or who has any information that could assist the investigation.’
PC Broadhurst was shot at point blank range in Dib Lane by former US Marine David Bieber.
He and two colleagues – who survived the shooting – had been checking on a suspected stolen car at the time.
Bieber was wanted for offences in the US and the officers noticed his vehicle was displaying false number plates.
He was later found guilty of murder and attempted murder and was jailed for life, with a recommendation he should never be released.
Sgt John Speed was shot after going to the aid of a colleague who was attacked during what was a routine check on two men acting suspiciously near Leeds Parish Church.
Armed robber David Gricewith was identified as the gunman after his own death two years later.
Sgt Speed, who died when he was 39, was posthumously awarded the Queen’s Commendation for Brave Conduct.
Enoch has been charged with two counts of intentionally causing a public nuisance under Section 78 of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022.
He has been remanded in custody to appear at Leeds Magistrates Court tomorrow.