POLICE have spoken to several teenagers alleged to be involved in an incident during which Walgett’s Anzac Memorial – the Man on the Monument – was damaged earlier this month.

Following inquiries, police established the teenagers had no intent to damage the statue, and that the incident appeared accidental.

Officers attached to Central North Police District were called to Walgett Memorial Park on Fox Street about 11.30pm on Wednesday, January 14 after a group of teenagers were allegedly trespassing in the park and damaged the statue of an Anzac soldier by knocking it over.

Following extensive inquiries, five boys – aged between 13 and 15 – and a 13-year-old girl, were spoken to by police and will be dealt with under the Young Offenders Act.

Central North Police District Commander, Superintendent Gerard Lawson, said Central North Police were committed to finding answers for the community.

Following inquiries, police have established teenagers had no intent to damage the Man on the Monument, and that the incident appeared accidental.

“I know members of the community were distressed by the incident and my officers spent many hours examining CCTV and tracking down those involved,” Supt Lawson said.

“While this matter has been resolved, I want to reassure the community that all matters reported to police will be investigated.”

The Man on the Monument was imported from France and officially dedicated in 1922, erected to commemorate the end of the First World War and to record the names of local men who volunteered to serve.

For decades it stood in the centre of Walgett’s main street, a constant and visible reminder of duty, loss, and community pride, before later being relocated to the Memorial Park precinct.