The attack on the statue of King Alfred in Wantage defies belief. The iconic sculpture has represented the town for 130 years. It is not only a symbol of Wantage but also a national symbol.

The statue has been the target of New Year japes before. They have, to a degree, been tolerated as acts of drunken high spirits at the turn of the year.

This latest act, however, is serious and, one suspects, premeditated.

It takes an element of force, or requires some mechanical aid, to wreak the kind of damage we have seen.

What could possess someone to do this? Is it a simple act of vandalism or a calculated attack on the town itself?

There is universal outrage in Wantage at this mindless act. Someone must have an idea who committed it. We urge them to turn in those responsible to the police today.