POLICE have appealed for anyone with information over a memorial soldier figure being on fire to report it.

The 'Silent Soldier' memorial figure, situated near to the entrance of Taylor Park at Toll Bar, was seen in flames in the early evening of Saturday, August 14.

Silent Soldiers have been placed at locations across St Helens in recent years to honour British and Commonwealth soldiers, having been installed at the time of the 100-year anniversary since the end of the First World War.

People took to social media to express their dismay after a picture of the fire was shared.

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One said: "Absolutely disgraceful, I'm sure there parents are soo very proud of them? Makes me sick seeing mindless acts of vandalism".

Another added: "As a young person and royal marine cadet is sickens me to see (them) do something so disrespectful to a memorial to the men and women who gave their lives so they have the freedoms to go out like they do".

A spokeswoman for Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service said they were called to Taylor Park shortly before 7pm to reports of a fire at a park gate. She said there were no signs of a fire by the time they arrived at the scene.

A Merseyside Police spokesman said the force had not received a report in relation to the fire.

He added: "Anyone with information on this incident is asked to report it via @MerPolCC on Twitter, ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ on Facebook, 101, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."