The ornate top of an historic Swansea fountain has been chopped off and stolen.
The iron top of St Gabriel's Peace Fountain was sawn and taken away from its home next to St Helen's rugby ground sometime over the past fortnight.
It has left those who helped bring the restored fountain back to its original site angry and bemused.
Councillor Irene Mann said: "So much work went in to restoring the fountain and putting it in place, it is heartbreaking.
"I just can't understand why anyone would do such a thing.
"I think it's the last remaining fountain in Swansea, and it is part of Swansea's rich cultural history, and a huge effort went into getting it restored".
The fountain was installed following a project started in 2012 to have it reinstated on the site after it was removed in the 1960s.
Remnants of the original fountain were discovered at Swansea Museum's warehouse in Hafod, and was painstakingly cleaned and restored, being taken to Carmarthenshire where it was blended together with resin.
It was transported back to Swansea and installed in 2014, in time to mark the centenary of the First World War.
The Archbishop of Swansea and Brecon conducted a ceremony to mark its unveiling, and it was dedicated as a peace fountain in recognition of the sacrifice to those who had given their lives in the Great War.
Situated a short distance from Swansea 's cenotaph on the seafront, it is the site of remembrance ceremony every year, when it is covered in poppies.
Councillor Mann said: "The iron top has been sawn away so whoever did it came prepared.
"I can't understand why anyone would do such a thing, and what on earth they would do with the top of the fountain either".
Brynmill resident Sandy Johns, who was also involved in the restoration efforts, added: "It is just so distressing.
"Brynmill does have its issues, but this was a way for us to do something positive for the community.
"People devoted their time and expertise to do this, and then someone has come along and done this deliberately.
"There is just no reason for it".
