Emmanuel Macron’s hosting of D-Day commemorations have been overshadowed by vandals who stole flags and daubed graffiti just hours before the arrival of the French President in the town.
Mr Macron and other world leaders today gathered in Brittany, the site of a major ceremony aimed at paying tribute to those who took part in the Normandy Landings on June 6, 1944.
Plumelec is where the first Allied soldier of the campaign was killed by German troops on June 6, 1944 and Mr Macron addressed troops about the sacrifices made 80 years ago.
80 bomb disposal experts including divers were on hand to comb the Normandy beaches for explosives today, with 43,000 soldiers, police, and gendarmes patrolling the region and surface-to-air missiles deployed along northern French coast.
However, it was too late to prevent the theft of all the flags which were scheduled to be used during the ceremony from being stolen.
A Plumetec town hall spokesman said: “Graffiti has also appeared on a prominent bus shelter, making reference to the President of France.”
Messages included “Macron Out”, “This is not France!” and “Brittany is not for sale”.
The spokesman, who described the theft and vandalism as “shocking and deplorable”, warned: “Video surveillance has been viewed and will allow the perpetrators of these unacceptable acts to be identified.
“Those responsible will be prosecuted and punished, whether they are adults or minors.”
Suspects included Brittany patriots who believe the region should be independent from France.
Police have launched a criminal investigation.
During his speech, Mr Macron paid tribute to Free French soldiers who were part of Britain’s SAS.
Corporal Emile Bouetard, 28 , who had completed a course at the Parachute Training School in Ringway, Manchester, was the first soldier to day during Operation Overlord.
The official British commemoration for the 80th anniversary of D-Day will take place at the British Normandy Memorial at Ver-sur-Mer, where the King will join French President Emmanuel Macron and Mr Sunak.
The Prince of Wales will attend events in Normandy including a service hosted by Canada at Juno Beach and an international ceremony hosted by France at Omaha Beach which will be attended by more than 25 heads of state.
The Prime Minister will deliver a short speech at Ver-sur-Mer and lead a “heroes’ welcome” for the veterans.
