Chesham’s response to a shocking spate of vandalism has been praised this week after the town was left ‘distressed’ by the attacks, according to the council.

After the bank Holiday weekend, at least 20 incidents of graffiti were spotted across town including on the war memorial and the Christ Church Waterside’s sign.

The words "War is not glorious" were sprayed on the memorial with silver paint – which has since been partially cleaned – and “satan” was written on the church’s sign.

The town’s mayor Peter Hudson tweeted his anger at the acts of vandalism, branding them “disgusting”, while the police confirmed the incidents are being linked.

Cllr Hudson said: “I would like to thank Chesham for the great community response so far.

“Thanks to Andy Hall and Gareth Hanchant of Chesham Town Council, who came out on their own time to clear away the graffiti, the memorial is looking a lot better than it did on Monday - the town appreciate your efforts.

“The town council will be arranging for the stone work of the memorial to be treated and cleaned as soon as possible.

“An officer has been assigned to investigate the vandalism of the memorial and the case is being taken very seriously.

“CCTV footage will be reviewed alongside other enquiries which are being made and hopefully, this will provide a lead as to the identity of the culprit.”

Bob Parrin, chairman of the RBL Chesham Branch, said: “It’s quite upsetting someone would do that.

“It’s there for remembrance so it’s pretty disgusting really. If anyone knows who did it I hope they tell someone.”

Love hearts and the word "love" also appeared at various locations across town including pavements and road signs.

Chesham Town Council said in a statement: “The whole community of the town was distressed to wake up to the widespread graffiti across Chesham on Monday morning.

“The desecration of the war memorial was particularly upsetting. Whatever one's views of armed conflict, the memorial honours the many brave residents who gave their lives fighting tyranny.

“The Town Council will be liaising closely with the District Council's Community Safety team and the police to see whether the person or persons behind this antisocial behaviour can be apprehended.”

A statement from Thames Valley Police read: “We have received reports that sometime between 6pm on Sunday May 1 and 11am on Monday May 2, the war memorial and the Christ Church in Chesham, were damaged with graffiti.

“We are currently investigating these incidents and would ask that anyone with information please call 101.”