Outrage after memorials of two murdered cops are vandalised after being deliberately covered in black paint
Outrage after memorials of two murdered cops are vandalised after being deliberately covered in black paint
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MEMORIALS of two murdered police officers have been deliberately vandalised - sparking outrage across West Yorkshire. The memorial stones of PC Ian Broadhurst and Sergeant John Speed were both found covered in black paint over the weekend with cops launching an investigation into the "disgusting" incidents.
![[Headshot of Police Officer Ian Broadhurst.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2003-police-officer-ian-broadhurst-169834.jpg?strip=all&w=738)
West Yorkshire Police first received a report at 6.43pm on Saturday that a memorial dedicated to PC Broadhurst had been left defaced. The brave cop was fatally shot by on-the-run former US Marine David Bieber in Leeds on Boxing Day 2003. Wreaths and flowers laid in tribute to the 34-year-old traffic officer were also left thrown around the memorial site.
![[Black and white photo of murdered police officer John Speed.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/1988-file-picture-murdered-p-764544.jpg?strip=all&w=629)
At 9.06am a day later a second memorial dedicated to Sergeant John Speed - who was shot and killed in Kirkgate in Leeds city centre on October 31, 1984 - was also found covered in black paint. Sgt Speed died aged 39 after he was attacked during a routine check on two men acting suspiciously.
![[Memorial to murdered police officer PC Ian Broadhurst, with flowers and wreaths.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2003-damaged-wreaths-flowers-laid-966909795.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
Police say they believe the second one took place at around 1am on the Sunday and that both may be linked. Leeds District Commander Chief Superintendent Steve Dodds said everyone at the force was "appalled" by the vandalism. He added: "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.".
![[Mugshot of David Bieber, convicted of murder.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/NINTCHDBPICT000002610287.jpg?strip=all&w=696)
