Vandals urinate and leave rubbish at Naval War Memorial on Southsea Common

Police said that it had been reported to them that urine and broken bottles had been left around the memorial on Southsea Common between 11.05am and 9.30pm on Friday.

A spokeswoman said: ‘This matter has currently been filed pending further lines of enquiry becoming available. Officers continue to patrol the area and consistently review incidents of this type and will investigate should any new lines of enquiry become available.’

It follows repeated problems last year and this at the memorial, which has become a magnet for people urinating.

Last year faeces were seen smeared on the monument, and last month a man was caught in the act urinating.

The spokeswoman added that a dispersal order is in place on Southsea Common and in Old Portsmouth after reports of nuisance behaviour from groups of people.

The order is in place until 5.44pm today and it gives officers the power to disperse people under Section 35 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.

They can also seize any items used in the commission of anti-social behaviour. Those under 16 will be taken be to their home address, and follow-up work will be done with parents.

Anyone who wants to report anti-social behaviour can call 101 or click here.