IT is disgusting that a tribute to those who lost their lives in the First World War has been vandalised again.

The Tommy ­— a metal silhouette outline of an infantryman ­— was installed outside Farnworth Library shortly before Remembrance Sunday and was bent over within days.

The despicable act was met with outrage and readers of The Bolton News even put up a reward for information leading to the arrest of whoever was responsible.

Bolton Council pulled out all the stops to ensure the tribute was repaired in time for the November 11 ceremonies to mark 100 years since the end of the First World War.

Now ­— three months after that first despicable act ­— the Tommy has been vandalised again.

Vandalism is a senseless crime because it is causing damage for the sake of it.

In no way are we condoning crime, but it would be understandable if someone stole out of need.

But to attack a monument to the hundreds of thousands of brave men who gave their lives fighting for their country is senseless and there can be no justification for it.

Whoever is responsible for both of these incidents has shown contempt to the memories of all those who paid the ultimate price so that we can enjoy the freedom we have today.

They need to not only pay for the damage to the Tommy, but also to apologise to the families of those who lost their lives.