An investigation is underway after a World Heritage-listed fountain in Melbourne’s north was vandalized.
The Hochgurtel Fountain, located outside the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton Gardens, was defaced with graffiti, and its water was turned bright red, police said. Red paint was also splashed onto the figurines in the middle of the fountain.
Police allege that unknown offenders targeted the fountain on Nicholson Street sometime between 6 p.m. on Friday and 6 a.m. today. City of Melbourne officials were alerted to the vandalism, and a council team has since cleaned the graffiti and drained the red-colored water.
Authorities are seeking any witnesses or individuals who were in the area during the time of the incident. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000.
The Hochgurtel Fountain, built in 1880, stands 10 meters tall and was constructed ahead of Melbourne’s first international world fair. It underwent a major restoration in 1994. The Royal Exhibition Building and the surrounding Carlton Gardens were designated a World Heritage Site in 2004.
