David Lowndes mural defaced weeks after it was painted in Peterborough

Graffiti was sprayed across the mural

Vandals defaced a mural dedicated to a well-known Peterborough photographer just weeks after it was painted.

To mark David Lowndes' 50-year career, street artist Nathan Murdoch was commissioned to create a surprise portrait in December.

The artwork, located by a bus stop at the entrance of Eastfield Road Cemetery, has since been sprayed with graffiti.

Peterborough City Council urged anyone with information to contact police.

A spokeswoman added: "It is very disappointing to see that this mural, only painted a few weeks ago, to pay tribute to local photographer David Lowndes has already been vandalised.

"We would urge anyone who saw anything suspicious or knows who may be responsible to get in touch with the police."

Cambridgeshire Police said it had not received any reports so far.

Mr Murdoch pledged to repaint the mural which was commissioned by the Peterborough Telegraph and Peterborough City Council.

Photographer, David Lowndes, said he was "surprised and humbled" by the surprise mural outside Eastfield Road Cemetery

Speaking before his work was defaced, the street artist said: "I'm a big supporter of local people and people who make a positive impact.

"Fifty years of service for the city is something that absolutely needs to be celebrated.

"It's always nice to do something when people least expect it."

David started work as a trainee photographer for the Peterborough Evening Telegraph in 1973 and used black and white film, printed in darkrooms.

During his career he met 50 mayors, five bishops, 30 Peterborough United Football Club managers and nine MPs.

David, who now works as a freelancer for the Peterborough Telegraph, said his job had been an "honour".

When the mural was first unveiled, he said: "My family and I are very proud of my 50 years of service.

"It had been an honour to attend so many of the important events that have shaped our city - in both news and sport - and I have been privileged to meet so many great people living in and visiting Peterborough.

"When I first saw the mural, I was amazed at what a good likeness it was - Nathan is a very talented artist. I was very surprised and humbled when I saw it."

Mayor of Peterborough, councillor Nick Sandford, said: "Anyone who has lived in Peterborough for any length of time is likely to have been photographed by David, met David at an event or admired his photographs in the Peterborough Telegraph."

He added that the photographer was a "real stalwart of the Peterborough community."