A war memorial in Llandrindod Wells has been "defaced" in what locals described as "disgusting behaviour".

Photos shared on social media over the weekend show red paint on the memorial and a pair of boxer shorts placed on the head of the First World War soldier.

Dyfed-Powys Police officers in Radnorshire tweeted that damage was caused to the memorial sometime between Saturday, February 20 and Sunday, February 21.

Annette Legrande said: "How very sad to think they lost their lives to give us all a better one, and this is what respect they have for our old soldiers, shame on them that were responsible." While Sharon Bramer Abell added: "People are so rude."

Brecon and Radnorshire MP Fay Jones said she was "sad and angry" to see what had happened in Llandrindod.

"It’s appalling that people would treat public property in this way - let alone defacing a war memorial," she said.

"I’m supporting a Bill in Parliament which would impose tougher sentences on those who vandalise memorials like this.

"It’s disgraceful that legislation is even required but we should show those who gave their lives nothing but our respect and gratitude."

Anyone with information is urged to phone police on 101.