IMAGES have been released of a man police want to speak to in connection with damage to a memorial garden in memory of a Colne teenager who died while swimming in a reservoir.

Thieves targeted the James Goodship Memorial Garden at Colne Citadel, pulling out plants, dumping litter and stealing ornaments.

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Some of the stolen items were found nearby, but officers have released images of a man they believe may hold vital clues to finding those responsible.

Officers said they are also linking the incident at the memorial garden to a series of thefts at properties on nearby Mason Street.

Thieves sneaked into the back gardens and yards of three properties and stole garden ornaments and solar lights. Those incidents took place between 4.30am and 5.30am on Sunday.

PCSO Ailsa Gill, of Colne Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We are keen to trace and speak to the man in the CCTV and I would urge anyone with information about his identity to get in touch. It is despicable that someone would also damage a memorial garden and we know that the family and friends of James Goodship and the wider community are appalled by this mindless act. We are determined to bring the perpetrator to justice.”

Since James’s death his parents have set up a campaign to warn teenagers about the dangers of swimming in open waters and have also pushed for ropes, lifebuoys and lifejackets to be installed at Lake Burwain.

Following the death of the apprentice plumber, the community rallied together to collect £9,500 to enable his family to buy a headstone and create the memorial garden.

James’ mum Mel Goodship said: “A lot of people have put a lot of time and effort into making it a nice place to come and pay their respects. Seeing it in the state we found it – I can’t believe that someone would go to the lengths they have done to trash what is supposed to be a place where people can go to remember James and reflect on his life. “It’s devastating that someone come stoop that low.”