Wiltshire Police have launched an urgent investigation after the iconic Westbury White Horse, a ancient hillside figure overlooking the town, was defaced by vandals. The prehistoric monument was found with a large white flag planted directly into its eye, a act described by local authorities as a "mindless" crime against a cherished piece of national heritage.
The alarming discovery was made on Tuesday, 18th June, prompting a swift response from officers. The white flag, a stark contrast against the green turf of the horse's outline, was a blatant act of vandalism on the Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
Community Outrage and Historical Significance
The act has been met with anger and dismay from the local community and historians alike. The Westbury White Horse is believed to be the oldest of several such turf-cut figures in Britain, with its origins shrouded in mystery. Some theories date it back to the Anglo-Saxon era, potentially commemorating King Alfred's victory at the Battle of Ethandun in 878 AD.
"It's a real shame that a small number of mindless individuals think it's acceptable to damage a historic monument like the white horse," a spokesperson for Wiltshire Police stated. The force is now appealing to the public for any information that could lead to identifying the culprits responsible for this "criminal damage."
Appeal for Witnesses
Investigators are particularly keen to hear from anyone who was in the area of the White Horse or Bratton Camp between Monday evening and Tuesday morning. They believe witnesses may have seen suspicious activity or individuals carrying climbing equipment, which would have been necessary to scale the steep slope to commit the act.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenge of protecting the UK's vast and often remote historical landmarks from vandalism and erosion. The police urge anyone with information to come forward to help preserve this important piece of British history for future generations.
