Police investigating graffiti sprayed near a newly-unveiled war memorial have issued CCTV images of two people at the scene.

Officers are treating the vandalism to the wall surrounding the Lions of the Great War statue in Smethwick, West Midlands, as a racially aggravated offence.

The memorial, officially unveiled at a ceremony on November 4, depicts a First World War Sikh soldier and was commissioned to mark the sacrifices made by South Asian servicemen of all faiths.

The words “Sepoys no more” are believed to have been sprayed on the memorial in the early hours of Friday November 9, and officers are keen to trace two people caught on camera nearby.

Superintendent Martin Hurcomb, from Sandwell Police, said: “Officers are working closely with the congregation and management at the nearby Guru Nanak Sikh Temple as we understand that this attack has caused a lot of concern in the community.

“Work continues to try to understand the reasons behind what happened and identify whoever is responsible.

“I’d urge anyone who recognises the people in this CCTV to get in touch as soon as possible.

“Local officers continue to work closely with communities and have increased police presence in the area to provide reassurance and be on hand to answer any questions or concerns that people may have.”