A memorial bench for a teenager was set on fire in an arson attack.

The bench was installed at the Southern Recreation Ground in Thame in memory of 18-year-old Megan Biddle.

Megan, a student at Lord Williams's School in Thame, died in 2015 after taking an accidental overdose of migraine medication.

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Megan’s friends fundraised for the bench which was designed by local sculptor Michael Gibbs to reflect Megan’s interests and personality, including a skateboard, woolly bobble hat, guitar, Converse Hi-tops and more.

A granite circular slab to the floor allows chalk messages to 'Bid' and her friends to be left inlaid with stars.

Oxford Mail: This was the memorial bench when it was being unveiled by the councilThis was the memorial bench when it was being unveiled by the council (Image: Thame Hub)

Police said the fire was started close to Megan’s Bench at 6.45pm on August 31.

It was not the first incidence of vandalism as a fire had previously been started on the flooring and in 2020 Megan's mother said she was 'devastated' after yobs started a fire near her memorial bench.

 

Alison Biddle said on Facebook: "Please have some respect for our family and what we have been through.

"Please people, think of the effect your mindless vandalism is having on an already devastated family."

Thames Valley Police is now appealing for witnesses to the arson. 

Anyone with information should call 101 and quote the crime reference number 43230390578.