VANDALS have launched a sickening attack on the grave of a soldier who died in the First World War, just weeks before the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the conflict.

The headstone of Private George Sergant in Clacton's Burrs Road cemetery was daubed with blood red paint.

The nature of the graffiti sparked fears it was park of a bizarre cult ritual.

Read the full story in this week's Clacton Gazette, out now.