Vandals extinguish State War Memorial’s Flame of Remembrance at Kings Park

Emergency services were called to Kings Park overnight after vandals managed to extinguish the Flame of Remembrance then set fire to a nearby bin.

During the early hours of Sunday morning, a number of people entered Kings Park where they managed to put out the State War Memorial’s eternal flame which normally burns all year round.

They then set fire to a bin but it didn’t cause extensive damage.

Police were alerted to the issue after receiving reports of fire and a gas smell in the area.

RSLWA chief executive John McCourt described the actions of the vandals as “despicable”.

“It’s just appalling,” he added.

A Botanic Parks and Gardens spokeswoman said the flame was reignited early Sunday morning by Kings Park staff.