"Despicable" attack on Hillsborough memorial site.

MINDLESS vandals have caused thousands of pounds worth of damage to a memorial to the 96 victims of the Hillsborough disaster.

Residents of Port Sunlight village have spoken of their shock and upset at waking to find an "absolute scene of devastation" at their memorial garden.

A gang targeted the stonework around the garden on Saturday night, loosening it and then pulling down and throwing parts of the wall.

The commemorative area was built by Unilever shortly after the stadium disaster 20 years ago.

Margaret Aspinall of the Hillsborough Families Support Group, who lost her 18-year-old son James in the tragedy, said: "It is an absolute disgrace. They don't know how many people they are upsetting, and if they do, they should be ashamed of themselves.

"It is a lovely memorial, and it was so kind of them to do it for the 96.

"It means a great deal to the families on that side, as well as ordinary members of the public."

A witness to the vandalismsaid she heard the revving of a motorbike just after midnight on Sunday, and went outside to see the wall falling and three youths running away.

It is not the first time youths have caused havoc in the pretty village, but residents say it is the most shocking and upsetting incident to date.

She said: "It is an absolute scene of devastation.

"I can't believe the damage that has been done. Nothing like this has ever happened in the village, not on this scale." Police arrived on the scene minutes after being called but the vandals had already run off.

Wirral Detective Inspector Andy O'Connor said: "We have no idea what the motive is behind this incident, but we will do all that we can to find the individuals responsible.

"This is a despicable attack on a memorial and the people who carried out this attack have shown complete disrespect for those who lost their lives and their families."

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The Hillsborough Memorial at Port Sunlight was smashed by vandals Pictures: COLIN LANE/CL070609HILLSBOROUGH-2