Members of an East Belfast flute band have condemned those behind the defacing of a newly refurbished mural honouring past members.
It is understood that the graffiti was daubed on the mural honouring Tullycarnet Flute Band in the Kings Road area at some point on Monday night.
Those responsible also reportedly removed poppy wreaths, which had been laid last month on Remembrance Sunday, and threw them across the grass.
The band, which only reformed in July 2020, took to social media to condemn those responsible and appeal for anyone with information to come forward.
In a Facebook post, Tullycarnet Flute Band branded the vandalism as "absolutely disgusting".
They added: "We were notified early today (Tuesday) that some lowlife has defaced our band mural which is also a remembrance mural for our passed members during the early hours of the night.
"The mural was only redone and opened on Remembrance Sunday 2021. Our poppies that were laid in respect of passed members were also removed and thrown across the grass.
"We don't understand why this has been an attack on our band and also our community.
"We are completely ashamed and upset as the hard work and dedication that has went on within the community in the last two years to have this image today.
"We ask if you have any information or may know who defaced our mural please get in touch with the page."
A PSNI spokesperson said: "Police in east Belfast received a report of criminal damage to a mural in the Kings Road area on Wednesday 15th December.
"It is believed this incident happened sometime between Monday 13th December and Tuesday 14th December."
Anyone with any information about this incident or who may be able to help with the investigation, is asked to call police on the non-emergency number 101, or submit a report online using our non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/.
You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/.
