Vandals have scribbled graffiti on the landmark First World War tank in Ashford town centre.

Police Community Support Officer Helen Ingram said: “This is pointless vandalism to what is actually an important Ashford memorial.”

It is thought teenagers used the blue marker pen to mark the tank. A similar tag has been scrawled on a road sign in Park Farm.

Damage on the tank is estimated at £500.

PCSO Ingram said: “We hope the graffiti can be cleaned off, but unfortunately the offender caused damage by climbing on it and it may need to be repainted.”

Two teenagers were spotted at the time the graffiti appeared - just after 6pm on Monday.

The girl and the boy are both white and are thought to be about 15. She had a dark brown pony tail and was wearing a dark coloured hooded top. The boy was wearing a white hooded top with the hood up and had dark tracksuit trousers and dark trainers.

Anyone with information is asked to contact PCSO Ingram on 07969 584297. Alternatively, call South Kent police on 01303 289180, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.