THE widow of a Red Arrow killed when his plane crashed following a display at Bournemouth Air Festival said she is “extremely saddened” to hear a memorial to him was vandalised this week.

Flt Lt Jon Egging, 33, died when his Hawk jet came down near Throop on August 20, 2011. His death was deeply felt by residents, and in August 2012, a five-metre high artwork featuring three glass planes and stainless steel contrails was unveiled on the East Cliff. It was moved in August 2017 after a huge landslip.

This week, resident Eddie Kinghorn took these photos of graffiti on the memorial. He said he was “disgusted” to see the vandalism.The vandalism, which was scrawled onto the artwork in marker pen, reads ‘Yellowstone volcano’ and ‘end of all days, Mars attack’.

Dr Emma Egging, CEO of the Jon Egging Trust (JET), said: “We are extremely saddened to hear of the de-facing of the Jon Egging Memorial, which is an enduring and positive testimonial to Jon’s dreams and aspirations.”

“What’s wonderful is that there are two memorials, the one on the cliff top, and the Jon Egging Trust, which gives young people the skills, confidence and inspiration they need to be the best they can be.

“Jon was passionate about unlocking young people’s full potential, and was a hugely inspirational person who helped others to understand that if you reached high enough there are always blue skies. “

Councillor Vikki Slade, leader of BCP Council, said: “We are disgusted to learn that someone would deliberately damage the beautiful sculpture commissioned in Flt Lt Jon Egging’s memory.

“We dispatched our graffiti removal team immediately on hearing of the issue and the graffiti has been successfully removed. We have also advised Jon’s family today, and the Jon Egging Trust.

“Many local people have vivid memories of the day of the accident that took Jon’s life, and the heartfelt outpouring of grief and empathy from residents in the days following his death showed unequivocally the high regard and affection that the people of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole have for the Red Arrows, and for Jon in particular.

“I do hope that this mindless and insensitive act has not caused Jon’s family any unnecessary distress.”