AN appeal to find out who damaged a ‘silent soldier’ tribute to those who fell in the First World War has led to the teenage "culprit” being identified.

The attack on the ‘Silent Silhouette’ on Primrose Hill Mesne led to calls for those responsible to be named and shamed, with individuals offering a reward.

And Lydney Town Council announced yesterday (Tuesday, November 6) that a parent had come forward to say their son was responsible and they would be paying the full repair cost of the tribute and a damaged bin.

The 15-year-old will also be spoken to by police and required to do some community work.

It is the second time the silhouette, in the shape of a First World War ‘Tommy’, has been vandalised as the country marks the centenary of the Armistice.

Thousands of the tributes have been sited nationwide, and the town council, who funded several local silhouettes, said they were “shocked and saddened” after the most recent damage over the weekend.

But a council spokesperson said yesterday: “We would like to thank the community for their support regarding information in relation to the damage to the silent soldier on the Mesne.

“The council can advise that today a parent has visited the office, and whilst upset themselves by the actions of their child, has offered to pay in full for the vandalism to the silent soldier and litter bin.

“We would like to thank this parent for coming forward and will now allow the police the time to speak to this individual, who will also be undertaking community service within Lydney arranged by the police and town council.”

Someone had initially snapped off the rifle tip and dented the silhouette, before an attempt was made to rip it from its base, denting it further.

“To show such disrespect to a symbol of our Armed Forces for the sacrifice they made is frankly disgusting and these individuals should be named and shamed,” said the council on Monday. “This weekend we are planning to light the beacon as part of Battle’s Over, commemorating 100 years since the end of World War One.

“This should be a time of coming together in peace and remembrance to pay tribute to all those who paid the ultimate sacrifice, so that we may enjoy the liberties which we have today.

“To have such a symbol of their sacrifice treated in such a disrespectful and despicable way is truly heartbreaking.”

Pete Webb, whose grandfathers fought in the war, highlighted the vandalism online, and told the Review: “A red line has been crossed, I don’t understand how anyone could be so disrespectful.”

The vandalism was among a spate of recent damage in the town. The novelty bin at the entrance to the new mesne play area was pulled out and rolled downhill, despite being anchored in concrete.

Last weekend there were attempts to light fires in Bathurst Park, where the pavilion locks were broken, while the phone kiosk windows close to Hylton Court were all smashed.

The council spokesperson said: “Only by acting together as a community and reporting any incidents to the police can we show those individuals involved that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated in our town.”A blacksmith is currently trying to repair the damaged 'silent soldier' in time for Sunday's Battle’s Over centenary commemorations.A Gloucestershire Police spokesman said: "A 15-year-old boy and one of his parents has attended Lydney Town Council and admitted the vandalism to the First World War memorial on Primrose Hill in Lydney last week."The cost of the damage is due to be repaid to the council and we will be working with them to decide on an appropriate restorative justice outcome in this case."