Everton’s Dixie Dean statue has been damaged after being lit with a flare.
Footage of the incident was uploaded to social media on Monday and showed the iconic sculpture outside Goodison Park set ablaze with red pyrotechnics.
It is thought that the act of vandalism occurred on Spellow Lane in the early hours of Sunday morning, causing a small amount of damage to the statue.
Several floral tributes that Blues fans leave underneath the monument for loved ones who have passed away were visible when it was targeted.
Goodison staff later cleaned the statue and passed on CCTV footage to police, who have branded the perpetrators both ‘disgusting’ and ‘disgraceful’.
“We are aware of footage showing a flare at the Dixie Dean statue outside Goodison Park,” a Merseyside Police spokesperson confirmed.
“The footage appears to show a flare on the statue on Spellow Lane, and enquiries are ongoing to establish the exact circumstances.”
Robert Ross, the force’s acting Chief Inspector, has urged anyone with information about the incident to come forward as soon as possible.
He said: “I would urge anyone who knows who is responsible for putting a flare on the Dixie Dean statue, a focal point for so many people at times of celebration and grief, to contact us.”
The latest incident comes barely 10 days since Liverpool’s Premier League title win was marred by ugly scenes in a mass gathering at the Pier Head.
Fireworks were deliberately launched at the city’s iconic Liver Building during the festivities which led to a 19-year-old man being charged over the act.
Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact @MerPolCC or 101. Alternatively, you can pass information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.