A beloved remembrance poppy display has been "intentionally" vandalised with an appeal for witnesses issued.
The tribute, created by crafters, knitters and crocheters in the community for Remembrance Day, was damaged near the A1245 and Rawreth Lane junction, with the council calling it a "deliberate" act.
A spokesman for Rawreth Parish Council said: "To the absolute scum, and that is the politest word we can use on Facebook, that have desecrated the Rawreth Remembers Poppy Cascade, why?
"You have shown utter disrespect, you are the lowest of lows, there are just no words this morning.
"Despite your disgusting behaviour, we will remember them."
"Unfortunately this was a deliberate act, and one that took considerable force to cause the damage that was done," they continued.
"It is very unlikely this was the act of 'kids' but it was most certainly the act of a person or persons that have absolutely no respect for what this display, created by a community, stands for.
"We are beyond disappointed and saddened, but we will not be stopped from remembering."
The display was made with donated poppies from crafters, knitters, and crocheters.
It formed a cascade from the village sign, stretching 43ft along netting.
At the forefront of the cascade is a silhouette of a dog and soldier, created by an army veteran who gave up his time to design the feature.
Danielle Belton, leader of the Conservatives at Rochford District Council, issued an appeal on Facebook.
Ms Belton said: "Given the location of the display, someone has intentionally gone here to do this.
"I really hope that they have been caught on camera.
"If you travelled along the A1245 or were at the Rawreth Lane junction at any point after dark yesterday or this morning, please take a look at your dash cams to see if we can catch the scum that done this."
Remembrance Day is a memorial day observed since the First World War to honour armed forces members who have died in the line of duty.
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