The memorial has been in place since July

The granite tribute to Pc Malcolm Walker has been removed for repair after it was pulled off its plinth in Birmingham.

It was unveiled by Prime Minister Tony Blair in July, in memory of the 46-year-old, who was killed when the driver of a stolen car repeatedly rammed his motorbike.

The Police Memorial Trust, which funded the memorial in Perry Barr where Pc Walker was killed, said it was an "insult" to an officer who "gave his life to the community".

The memorial is thought to have been rammed with a car

West Midlands Police said the vandalism had deeply upset Pc Walker's widow, Helen, and their four children.

In a statement, the force said: "The memorial is for a police officer who gave his life helping to make the West Midlands a better place to live and work.

"The damage is unnecessary and causes further upset for Mac's family, friends and colleagues."

Pc Walker died in October 2001 as he responded to reports of a stolen car which he spotted speeding through a red light.

His killer, Nicholas Walters of Lozells, Birmingham, was jailed for life at Nottingham Crown Court last December after being convicted of murder.