THE huge marble poppy put up to commemorate 355 fallen service personnel who were repatriated through Royal Wootton Bassett has collapsed three weeks before Remembrance Day.

Wiltshire Police were called after the sculpture, dedicated by Princess Anne in June last year, was found badly damaged this morning and there were fears that it had been vandalised.

But in a statement this morning they said: “We have investigated and viewed the CCTV provided by Royal Wootton Bassett Town Council and can confirm that there has been no crime.”

In fact the footage shows the poppy collapsing during the night as a major structural failure occurs.

It has now been taped off and people are being urged not to approach it.

Designed and gifted to the town by artist Mark Humphrey, the 4.5 tonne tribute was installed at the end of Marlowe Way two years ago.

Town clerk Johnathan Bourne told the Swindon Advertiser: “Our first priority is to get it fenced off and make it safe. That’s the focus of our attention at the moment.”

He added that the artist had been contacted and was going to view the damage.

Local people reacted on social media with shock and dismay.” Hope it can be repaired as this was a beautiful addition and reminder of why we are called 'Royal' Wootton Bassett,” said Lucy Barker.

Andrew Matthews posted: “Glad it’s not vandalism, I would like to think the youths of today understand what this stands for. Love Bassett!!”

And Keron Hurlstone wrote: “I hope it’s repaired in time but pleased it was not. Vandals as this is such a treasured monument for the local people of Bassett and surrounding villages.”