A SCULPTURE to remember those affected by the conflict in Ukraine has been vandalised just days after it was installed.

The 'I Want To Live' art installation was installed by the community group Standing with Giants on Wednesday, February 22.

The 13-foot metal sculpture, depicting the silhouette of a soldier holding a baby while leading a mother and another child to safety, arrived to honour Ukrainians.

However, less than 12 hours after the prayer service and candle-lighting ceremony remembering one year since Russia invaded Ukraine, the sculpture has been vandalised with spray paint.

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Dan Barton is the artist who created the 'I Want To Live' installation. Upon finding out his artwork had been vandalised, he said: "It’s really sad to hear that it’s happened.  

“Feelings are obviously running high with what’s going on in Ukraine but the tribute isn’t just about Ukraine, it’s about the futility of war and every person that does lose their life within this conflict is such a terribly sad thing.

“Ordinary people have to defend themselves and fight against aggression and this is a very complex situation. This is really about the human tragedy on both sides."

Dan hopes that he will be able to use a solvent to dissolve the spray paint without damaging the water-based paint underneath.

“It’s just the saddest situation of our times. People are so entitled that they think they can damage other people’s artwork and it’s such a shame," he added.

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Standing With Giants also installed a 300-figure NHS tribute to recognise the people that died on the frontline but this was vandalised "within six hours" of it being put up.

Councillor Sam Charleston, of the St Paul's ward, shared the shocking picture with the Journal this afternoon, Saturday, January 25.

He said: “I just happened to notice it. I’m obviously shocked that it has been vandalised within days of being installed and I think it’s a wonderful tribute to the people of Ukraine.

“It’s outrageous that it has been treated in this way."

Salisbury Journal: The sculpture up close.The sculpture up close. (Image: Kathy Dawson)

Cllr Tom Corbin, mayor of Salisbury, has condemned the criminal damage, he said: “There’s no room for such poor behaviour and it should always be challenged.

"I’ve got no issue with street art but I do have an absolute issue with the nasty side of graffiti art and to my mind, that is as bad as breaking glass on the pavement.

“It’s causing damage and offence to people and there’s no need for it. It should be stamped out at every opportunity."

Wiltshire Police has been contacted for more information.