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Man charged after Queen Victoria statue vandalised with Red Paint during King’s visit

A man has been charged after a Queen Victoria statue was smeared with red paint in the Sydney CBD while the King was touring the city.

Queen Victoria statue vandalised in Sydney's CBD

A man has been charged after the Queen Victoria statue in Sydney’s CBD was defaced with red paint early Tuesday morning.

Police were called to the Queen Victoria Building on Market St shortly before 5.30am following reports of the vandalism.

Upon arrival, authorities established a crime scene around the monument and investigations commenced.

The Queen Victoria Statue outside the building named after her after it was vandalised. Picture: 2GB
The Queen Victoria Statue outside the building named after her after it was vandalised. Picture: 2GB
King Charles III and Queen Camilla pose for a photo in front of Sydney Harbour Bridge later that day. Picture: Getty Images
King Charles III and Queen Camilla pose for a photo in front of Sydney Harbour Bridge later that day. Picture: Getty Images

Public Order and Riot Squad officers later searched a residence on Wonga St in Strathfield, where they found and seized bottles of paint.

A 26-year-old man was arrested at the scene and taken to Burwood Police Station.

He has been charged with malicious damage and having his face blackened or disguised with intent to commit an indictable offence.

Crews quickly removed the paint. Picture: NewsWire / Monique Harmer
Crews quickly removed the paint. Picture: NewsWire / Monique Harmer

The man was granted conditional bail and is set to appear at Burwood Local Court on November 12.

The defacing of Sydney’s iconic Queen Victoria statue with red paint occurred during the five-day royal visit of King Charles and Queen Camilla to Australia.

King Charles meeting fans during his tour of Australia. Picture: Getty Images
King Charles meeting fans during his tour of Australia. Picture: Getty Images

While the royals enjoyed their final day in Sydney, taking part in activities ranging from BBQs to meeting native parrots and sheepdogs, the statue outside the Queen Victoria Building was vandalised early on Tuesday morning.

King Charles and Queen Camilla spent the day visiting several Sydney suburbs and landmarks, with their tour culminating at the Sydney Opera House, where they were greeted by a large crowd.

They will bid farewell to Australia on Wednesday bound for Samoa where Charles will attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

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Originally published as Man charged after Queen Victoria statue vandalised with Red Paint during King’s visit

Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/nsw/man-charged-after-queen-victoria-statue-vandalised-with-red-paint-during-kings-visit/news-story/146692a2cbe7d335314ac9c5cb4c5caa