MINDLESS vandals have daubed the iconic lions at the entrance to Grimsby's Weelsby Woods with graffiti.
Shocked park users discovered the historic sandstone statues had been sprayed with red and blue paint yesterday morning.
North East Lincolnshire Council's neighbourhood services team was immediately dispatched to try to remove the paint, but couldn't remove it all.
Councillor Ros James, who represents Heneage ward where the park is located, said: "This was a mindless act of vandalism and one which will cost us financially to sort out.
"We are currently assessing how we can remove the paint and restore the lions to their former glory."
The damage was reported by Councillor Matt Brown, who represents the Croft Baker ward and was driving past on his way to work.
He said: "I can't understand what would possess anybody to do such an awful thing.
"The lions are historic landmarks which guard the entrance to Weelsby Woods and I hope all traces of the paint can be removed as soon as possible."
A 79-year-old resident who lives near the entrance of the woods, and did not wish to be named, said: "How would the culprits feel if someone did that to their front door?
"Vandalism may not be the most serious of crimes, but it is disrespectful and does nothing to promote a good community.
"I find it completely baffling why people would get enjoyment from daubing spray paint all over local landmarks which are much-loved in the area.
"Children have sat on the lions for years and the tradition has passed from generation to generation; I'm not entirely sure why anyone would target them.
"Weelsby Road is very busy at all times of the day or night. I hope a passing motorist may have seen something."
A regular dog walker at the beauty spot added: "A few months ago, vandals set fire to a large recycling bin and pushed it to the top field, causing a mess, not to mention the danger of catching fire to bracken, trees and so on.
"It's a shame some people feel they have to do this, presumably for fun."
Anyone with any information regarding the incident should call Humberside Police on 101, quoting crime reference ac2010013/2013.
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter