VANDALS who set fire to a historic monument in Accrington, partially melting a commemorative plaque, have been described as “mindless”.

Fire damage to the Peel Monument on the Coppice, installed more than 100 years ago, was spotted by walkers earlier this week and has been reported to police.

Councillor Peter Britcliffe said: “I remember when we invested quite a lot of money to make that area nice, and improved the pathways, so it’s really sad when you see people just deliberately out to wreck things for no reason.

“It’s just a mindless act of vandalism.

“The council works to improve, and some just go out to wreck.”

Cllr Britcliffe said he has not heard of any significant problems on the Coppice previously, and admitted the park is hard to police.

He said: “It’s difficult to stop things like this. We can only appeal to the public to report any information they have. Let’s hope those responsible can be caught.”

The monument was put into place in 1909 and stands proudly overlooking Accrington, with the metal plaque reading: “To gratefully record the gift by William Peel Esq, of Knowlmere, of 35 acres of land, forming part of this park.”

The land that now makes up Peel Park and the Coppice was given to the people of Accrington by the Peel family, who originated from Peel Fold in Oswaldtwistle.

The family is perhaps most notable for Sir Robert Peel, the former prime minister and founder of the police force.

Some of the land was bought, while the Peel family donated the rest.

A spokeswoman for Lancashire Police said the criminal damage was reported at 4.45pm on Wednesday.

Anybody with information on the vandalism, call police on 101.