World War Two pillboxes were covered in graffiti by vandals ahead of the D-Day anniversary.

Two pillboxes at Rye Harbour Nature Reserve have been attacked.

The nature reserve is home to 13 pillboxes which were used to house Vickers machine guns in the Second World War.

In a post on X, Rother Police said: “WWII Pillboxes at Rye Harbour Nature Reserve have been daubed in graffiti, this happened before June 2.

The Argus: Two pillboxes in Rye have been covered in graffiti by vandalsTwo pillboxes in Rye have been covered in graffiti by vandals (Image: Rother Police)

“Did you see or hear anything? If so, please contact us quoting reference CAD 1350 04/06/2024.

“Acts like this damage the very fabric of the building.”

It comes as the county prepared to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings, with events taking place across Sussex.

Anthony Kimber, colonel and president of Rye Royal British Legion, said: "As president of the Rye branch of the Royal British Legion, I take seriously our responsibilities for all aspects of remembrance including the maintenance of the many memorials and historic evidence of the numerous campaigns over the centuries which have impacted on the coast near Rye.

"These mindless acts are always difficult to attribute, culprits are rarely identified.

"My message to them is that their actions only serve to discredit the many men and women who took part in the defence of UK and in particular to those who made the ultimate sacrifice."

Rye Harbour Nature Reserve is home to a great deal of history as it also contains Henry VIII’s Camber Castle, designed to guard the port of Rye, and one of the Martello Towers, which were used during the Napoleonic Wars.

Paul Tinsley-Marshall, site manager of Rye Harbour Nature Reserve, said: "Sussex Wildlife Trust are disappointed to have become aware of recent graffiti damage to World War Two block houses at Rye Harbour Nature Reserve.

"Such vandalism detracts from visitors' experience and demonstrates a lack of respect for the cultural and military heritage of these iconic structures.

"We urge visitors to the site to be vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to Sussex Police."