A GANG of louts have desecrated the memory of Bolton's war heroes by urinating on their memorial.

While troops are fighting in Iraq, a group of men were seen urinating on the town centre war memorial in Nelson Square. The act has sickened war veterans who visit the memorial to remember their dead friends and fellow soldiers.

It will also shock relatives and friends of soldiers who are out fighting in the Gulf. Many Bolton residents are flying the Union flag in support of British troops.

A 55-year-old man who is a member of the Bolton Royal Artillery Association saw the incident. He did not want to be named, but said: "I came out of the Crompton Mule and there were several blokes urinating onto the monument and girls were cheering them.

"I was shocked. No-one seemed to bother at all. All those pubs have toilets in them. It was disgusting. The police were parked up on the next street, perhaps they should park nearer to where all the pubs are."

Rick Adamson, secretary of Bolton's Royal Artillery Assocation, said: "They are nothing but a pack of dirty animals. To do it in front of girls who can only laugh and cheer is disgusting."

The incident at about 9pm on Saturday, March 29, follows controversy over proposals for an outdoor cafe in Nelson Square, by Red on the Square.

In February, members of the Royal Artillery Association were angered when the bar wanted to put tables and chairs just yards from the memorial. Thwaites Inn, which owns the bar, have dropped the proposal.