The graffiti was discovered on the memorial, on Lewisham High Street, on Monday, 13 November.
The damage was believed to have been carried out between midday on Sunday, 12 November and 09:00hrs on Monday, 13 November. It has since been removed by the local authority.
PC Andrew Dobson, who is investigating the incident, said: “Criminal damage and offensive comments of this nature are completely unacceptable and our team are doing all we can to identify those responsible.
“We know that incidents like this cause significant concern in our communities and we will be relentless in targeting those who commit such offences.
“We are asking anyone in the area on Sunday evening or overnight to think back as to whether they saw anything that could help us with our enquiries.”
Anyone with information is asked to call 101 or ‘X’ @MetCC quoting ref 3230309/23 . You can also provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 111 555.
