Vandals have targeted memorials to murdered soldier Lee Rigby ahead of the anniversary of his death.

Flags were damaged and ripped of railings in Hillreach opposite the Royal Artillery Barracks.

A crime scene is in place and photos show that the area has been cordoned off, and police officers are conducting reassurance patrols.

This is the second time this year that a memorial to the young fusilier has been removed from the site of the horrific murder after a flag disappeared in January.

A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police said: “Police were called at 11.44am on Thursday, May 18 to a report that flags at the Lee Rigby memorial in Hillreach, Woolwich - opposite the Royal Artillery Barracks - had been damaged, with some possibly stolen.

“Officers have attended and are making enquiries, and a crime scene is now in place.

“Local Officers will be conducting reassurance patrols.

“It is believed that the memorial was damaged sometime overnight on Wednesday, 17 May/Thursday, 18 May.”

Fusilier Lee Rigby, 25, was murdered outside Woolwich Barracks by extremists Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale who are both currently serving life sentences in Belmarsh Prison for the deadly attack.

A permanent memorial to Lee was raised in St George’s Garrison Church, near the Barracks.

If you saw any suspicious activity at the memorial or in the surrounding area within this time, please call 101, Tweet @MetCC or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.