Vandals have caused thousands of pounds worth of damage to one of Dundee’s most popular tourist attractions.
Police have appealed for assistance in tracing the culprits who toppled an ornamental cast iron post at the McManus Art Gallery and Museum.
A bench and hosebox were also targeted, resulting in damage that it is estimated will cost around £2,500 to repair.
Bob Duncan, chairman of Leisure and Culture Dundee, which operates the building in partnership with Dundee City Council, has promised swift action to repair the damaged objects.
He said: ”The McManus is one of the city’s best loved and iconic buildings, so when it is damaged it has an impact on many people.
”I am seriously disappointed that it has been vandalised in this way and we will work to rectify the damage as soon as possible.”
The damage was discovered by staff early on Friday morning with the post lying cracked on the ground and graffiti sprayed on the nearby hosebox.
Police were informed immediately, with a spokesman for Dundee City Council saying: ” On the regular morning walk round the building one of the staff noticed that a plinth near the main staircase on Albert Square had been toppled over. We estimate the damage at around £2,500.”
Tayside Police scene of crime officers were at the McManus as an investigation into the vandalism began.
The incident is understood to have taken place between 11am on Thursday and 9.40am on Friday and CCTV footage is to be examined.
Police have urged anybody with information to come forward and assist with their enquiries.
It comes just two years after the completion of a £12m rejuvenation of the venue, that has seen it restored to a standard befitting one of the city’s most significant buildings.
In the 12-month period following its reopening, more than 198,000 visitors have passed through its doors.
Anybody with information regarding the vandalism is asked to contact Tayside Police on 0300 111 2222.