CCTV footage is being examined by police and council officers in a bid to identify those who vandalised Sutton's silent soldier tributes.

The silhouettes of soldiers were put up in around 50 locations across the borough, including parks, gardens and roundabouts, as a tribute to those who sacrificed their lives in the First World War.

But people have expressed their sadness and shock after a number of them were vandalised, including one silhouette being left headless.

A spokesman from the British Legion told Sutton Guardian: “The silent soldier installations honour the memory of the armed forces personnel who have made the ultimate sacrifice and those who defend the freedom we enjoy.

“Like all memorials they deserve to be treated with the utmost respect.”

Sutton Council says it will now remove all the tributes, while council officers and police examine CCTV to see if they can identify the culprits.

But Tony Turner, 83, whose father fought in the First World War, said this was the wrong decision.

He said: “We can’t give in. You can’t pack them up and forget about it. I am passionate about this.

“My father came home from the First World War battered and beaten but he never gave in. He never folded.

“Would a vandal step inside my father’s shoes, standing in rats and mud, covered in blood and being shot at? Would they stand up? Would they have the guts?”

Jeremy Gordon-Smith - the great great nephew of a British war photographer from Sutton, Ian Bawtree - published a book this year called 'Photographing the Fallen' which was based on First World War events.

He said: "It's very sad to hear. I don't understand why people would do that. I am curious to know whether it was a mindless act or it was an objection.

"This centenary year is a time for education and a time for national reflection and communities coming together. For someone to come and vandalise this is upsetting."

MP for Carshalton and Wallington, Tom Brake, also responded to the news.

He told Sutton Guardian: “It is depressing that the stupidity to a small number of vandals has meant having to withdraw the silent soldiers.

“They are meant to make people reflect on the more than one million troops who died in the First World War. I hope people will still do this. It was evident at the remembrance service held throughout the borough that our soldiers command overwhelming respect.”

Deputy leader of Sutton Council, Cllr Simon Wales said: “This was a wonderful and fitting tribute to those who lost their lives in the First World War and to all who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

“It is extremely sad that the senseless actions of a few have forced us to take the silhouettes down. We will make a decision next year on whether to reinstate them. I urge anyone with information to contact police.”