Melbourne’s Victoria Police Memorial has been vandalised overnight with anti-police graffiti, according to Victoria police.
The memorial on St Kilda Road was made in honour of the officers killed in their line of duty.
The words “good cop, dead cop” and “shame” were painted on the pillars of the memorial, while red paint covered the police emblem.
Premier Jacinta Allan has since condemned the act, labelling it disgusting.
“It’s an incredible slur on the good work of the men and women of Victoria Police and of all times to do this when the police family and our community are grieving the murder of two police officers in the line of duty just a few short months ago,” the Victorian Premier told ABC Radio on Friday.
“We are seeing far too much of this vandalism that is hurtful. Words matter and this is disgraceful.”
The graffiti was removed by council workers within two hours of its discovery.
The act comes almost a year after vandals last targeted the memorial.
“The messages contained in this graffiti lie in stark contrast to the overwhelming support the community has shown and continues to show for our police officers in what has been a tragic year,” Police Association secretary Wayne Gatt told AAP.
“The work of police will never cease. While people like this exist in our community, we are reminded of our purpose and the need to keep going.”
An investigation has since been launched, with potential witnesses encouraged to speak to the police.
Image: news.com.au
