POLICE have released CCTV images of two people they want to speak to after graffiti was sprayed near a Smethwick Sikh soldier statue created by Stourbridge artist Luke Perry.

The memorial commemorating 100 years since the end of World War One honours service personnel of all faiths from the Indian subcontinent who fought for Britain during WWI.

It was only unveiled on November 4 and was vandalised just days later.

The 10-feet high statue, sited between High Street and Tollhouse Way, is believed to have been targeted in the early hours of Friday November 9 and officers are treating the vandalism to the retaining wall surrounding the Lions of the Great War as racially aggravated criminal damage.

Superintendent Martin Hurcomb, from Sandwell Police, said: “Officers are working closely with the congregation and management at the nearby Guru Nanak Sikh Temple as we understand this attack has caused a lot of concern in the community.

“Work continues to try to understand the reasons behind what happened and identify whoever is responsible. I’d urge anyone who recognises the people in this CCTV to get in touch as soon as possible.

“Local officers continue to work closely with communities and have increased police presence in the area to provide reassurance and be on hand to answer any questions or concerns that people may have.”

If anyone recognises these people or has information about what happened they are urged to contact police via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight, or call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.