Melbourne North police are appealing for public assistance after the World Heritage-listed Hochgurtel Fountain in Melbourne’s Carlton Gardens was vandalised over the weekend.
In a statement, Victoria Police said unknown offenders vandalised the fountain outside the Royal Exhibition Building on Nicholson Street sometime between 6pm on Saturday and 6am on Sunday.
Two pro-Palestinian slogans were painted in black and red paint thrown on the faces of statues in the middle of the fountain. An unknown substance was also poured into the water turning it red, Victoria Police said in a statement.
Police are keen to speak to any witnesses or anyone in the area at the time.
City of Melbourne Acting Lord Mayor, Roshena Campbell has slammed the attack.
“Taxpayer dollars are being spent on yet another clean up for protesters – this time of the beloved and World Heritage listed Royal Exhibition Building fountain,” Cr Campbell told the ABC.
“Enough is enough. Defacing public property in Melbourne does nothing to change the situation in Gaza, but it does create real harm at home.”
A Council cleaning crew is working to drain the fountain and remove the graffiti.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit an online confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
