People are seething after knitted poppies were torn down less than 24 hours from when they were placed at a war memorial in Penge.

The remembrance poppies were ripped down from the railings at the Penge War Memorial on the high street yesterday (October 18) evening.

Leader of Bromley Council Colin Smith described it as “a very sad reflection” on those responsible.

Police confirmed a 30-year-old man from Beckenham was arrested near the scene for criminal damage.

Cllr Smith added that it was "utterly mindless and despicable" and said he hopes police will be successful in seeking justice.

He said: "The immortal words ‘we will remember them’ will outlast us all, with the knitted poppies showing how much the people of Penge do both care and remember and I salute their commitment to put the poppies back in their rightful place."

Resident Jennifer Stephens, who has lived in Penge for 15 years, visited the war memorial this morning and said it was "heartbreaking".

She told News Shopper: "This is so upsetting to see. They were only up less than 24 hours.

"The people of Penge have been working so hard for the last six months to make this a fitting and special tribute to the 100th year commemoration of World War One.

"We will stand strong as a community because that’s who we are."

Councillor Kathy Bance, who helped organise the poppy tribute, said CCTV is now being considered to help protect the memorial.

She told News Shopper: "A lot of people spent a long time on these poppies and they are distraught.

"We have considered CCTV but people thought it wouldn't deter. However, residents are now demanding it."

She added that work is being done to repair the damaged poppies.

"I want to remain positive because Penge is a fantastic community and we will come together and get them back up this weekend."

A local army cadet force volunteer told News Shopper he believes two men were responsible for the vandalism.

He added: "Two of my cadets witnessed this and reported this to me but by the time I rushed out of the unit to confront them they were gone."

Penge Partners, a group which supports charities, says it will be reinstalling the poppies this weekend with the help of cadets.