WW1 sculpture vandalised in Dublin park

A six-metre high sculpture erected in Dublin to mark the armistice has been vandalised.

Red paint was thrown over the 'Hauntings Soldier' in St Stephen's Green overnight on Wednesday.

The artwork portrays a weary soldier returning from war.

It is made from scraps of metal including horse shoes, spanners, car jacks and brake discs.

The sculpture was due to stand in the popular city centre park until November 26.

Irish Culture Minister Josepha Madigan voiced disappointment about the attack.

"This installation honours all those who died in the terrible suffering of World War One," she said.

"It is incredibly moving and has been proved immensely popular. There is no bravery in throwing paint at a statue in the middle of the night."

Workers were tasked with cleaning up the sculpture on Thursday.