Police are appealing for witnesses after the White Horse at Uffington was vandalised.

Officers were called to the chalk monument at White Horse Hill shortly after 10pm last night, after reports that vandals had daubed the head and eye of the horse with what appeared to be purple paint.

Police said a banner was recovered from the scene that read: “fathers 4 justice stop the secret family courts (sic).”

Officers from Faringdon neighbourhood team have been out this morning helping the National Trust to re-chalk the monument.

Sgt Steve Clark said: “The monument has been pretty much restored now and is back to how it should look.

“This was a mindless act of criminal damage on an ancient monument and I would urge anyone with information about the incident to come forward and speak to us as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information should contact Thames Valley Police via the 24-hour Enquiry Line on 0845 8 505 505. Alternatively, you can contact the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.