BRADFORD Council has branded the defacing of the Valley Parade fire disaster memorial "utterly deplorable" as they confirmed it has now been fully repaired and cleaned.

The statue, situated by City Hall in remembrance of the 56 victims of the 11th May 1985 tragedy, was desecrated by vandals last week.

As soon as the damage was reported a specialist stonemason was engaged to carry out the work.

Kersten England, Bradford Council’s Chief Executive, said: “Damaging a memorial to those who died in the Bradford City fire is utterly deplorable.

"The memorial is so important for the city and our people.

"The matter has been reported to the police and they are investigating.

"We took urgent action as soon as we were made aware of the vandalism so that the monument could be repaired before the Bradford City fire memorial event that takes place on 11th May when people will attend and pay their respects to the 56 victims.”

Police are investigating the incident and combing through CCTV footage in an attempt to identify the person or people responsible.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 101 or use the live chat facility at www.westyorkshire.police.uk/contactus