Vandals deface Nelson's Column

The historic Battle of Trafalgar, which marked Lord Horatio Nelson's victory over the French, took place on October 21, 1805 - exactly 218 years ago.

However, on the battle's anniversary, sick vandals defaced Nelson's Column in Trafalgar Square, sparking a furious reaction among patriotic Brits.

Admiral Lord Alan West, the former head of the Royal Navy, was among those outraged by the "disgraceful behaviour".

He said: "Nelson was a very great man who saved the country from invasion by a ruthless dictator and autocrat."

The retired naval chief added: "He isn't just a naval hero, he is a national hero."

"These sad people vandalising his column show a lack of knowledge of our history and of our nation. It's a great shame."

During the historic battle, Vice-Admiral Lord Nelson, commanding the British fleet, managed to put an end to Napoleon Bonaparte's plot to conquer Europe.

Despite being outnumbered, the great strategician ambushed the joint Franco-Spanish fleet off the Cape of Trafalgar, in south-west Spain.

Lord Nelson was shot by a Frenchman while on the deck of the British flagship HMS Victory and died shortly before the battle ended.

Nelson's column was built in 1843 to commemorate the naval leader's death.