Three men have been arrested after the George Floyd mural in Manchester's Northern Quarter was damaged again.
Police were called at around 1.30am this morning (Sunday) to a report of criminal damage at Stevenson Square.
They found the mural for the US security guard had been vandalised.
Three men were tracked down and arrested nearby, police said.
They remain in custody and are being questioned on suspicion of criminal damage.
The portrait of Mr Floyd, who died in Minneapolis after being forcibly held down by police officers in May last year, was created by street artist Akse in the Northern Quarter's Stevenson Square in the weeks that followed his death.
It has since been vandalised multiple times.
The mural was targeted with vile graffiti last summer when a masked vandal sprayed 'n****r' over Mr Floyd's face.
It was repaired as police and council leaders reacted with fury and vowed to catch the man responsible.
Unfortunately, despite officers releasing crystal clear CCTV images of the culprit, no one was arrested or charged.
Last month, the mural was targeted twice.
On February 14, it had to be temporarily covered up after a large 'N' was sprayed over the portrait.
Almost two weeks later, an arrest was made after more racist graffiti was scrawled on the mural.
Chief Inspector Denise Pye, of GMP's City of Manchester division, said the criminal damage was 'totally unacceptable' and 'will absolutely not be tolerated'.
"I understand incidents like this will cause frustration across the district as this behaviour does not reflect our brilliantly diverse and inclusive communities", she added.
"Thankfully officers swiftly attended and following a number of lines of enquiry including CCTV analysis were able to arrest three people in connection with the incident.
"I would encourage any witnesses or anyone with any information to get in touch."
Anyone with information should call police on 101 quoting incident number 253 of 14/03/2021, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
