Rat sculptures damaged soon after going on display

Graffiti has been daubed on a rat sculpture in Hull

Two rat sculptures that form part of a charity art trail have been vandalised within days of going on show.

A Mischief of Rats, which includes exhibits in Hull and East Yorkshire, features 6ft (1.8m) painted sculptures for people to enjoy on a walking trail.

An exhibit in Gower Road, Hull – called The Rat Race – has been graffitied, and damage to a sculpture in Brough – Beauty and Brains – has also been reported.

Project co-director Clare Huby said it was disappointing, but added that the vast majority of people "love them and look after them".

Damage was reported to a sculpture in Brough

The trail was inspired as a tribute to Mick Ronson, who was born in Hull and was a member of local 1960s band the Rats before becoming David Bowie's guitarist.

"If you couch it in terms of how many thousands of people see them, it is a shame that people focus on the negative," Ms Huby said.

"It's temporary and we fix them – these things happen."

The rat sculptures will remain on show until August and will be auctioned in September.

The project is in support of the health charity Daisy Appeal.

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