CONSERVATIVE candidate for Devizes Claire Perry has contacted the police after huge election posters dotted about the constituency were defaced by vandals.

The former Devizes MP was forced to replace a number of the blue banners, which sport a large photo of her smiling face alongside the words “Claire Perry Conservative”.

Vandals drew horns and fangs, among other things, on the posters along with derogatory words.

Mrs Perry said: “We always expect a bit of rough and tumble but what happened this time is that some of the language used was quite explicit.

“What was actually reported to the police was the issue with trespassing. We’re fairly sure we know who the culprit is and they have being harassing me and we’re told to always report these things to the police.

“I live in the constituency and I have to think about my safety and the safety of my family.

“The ballot box is there for people to air any grievances with their MP.”

Mrs Perry said that about 350 posters have been put up in the constituency and since the vandalism occurred more voters have come forward to offer to display one of her banners.

 “I have been out in Marlborough this week and I’ve had people mentioning the defacing of the posters to me and how awful it is and saying that they’ll be voting for me,” she said.

“I think their plan has backfired.”

Mrs Perry wrote about the indecent on her official Facebook page which prompted a spectrum of replies from constituents.

Steve Garraway wrote: “I'm saddened that the tories have stolen my pension, continuously lied to me and are hell bent on destroying the country, but then I guess your posters are very important.”

While Katie Whyte wrote: “This is disgraceful. No candidate should have their campaign material abused. This post was not about the tory policy (which I agree with) but was about the fact someone wad rude and offensive. If you disagree with a candidate do not vote for them, rather than resulting to such petty incidents like this one.”      

Mrs Perry is running against Chris Watts (Labour) Emma Dawnay (Green), David Pollitt (UKIP), and Manda Rigby (Lib Dem in the battle to become MP for Devizes.