Melbourne’s famous Hosier Lane hit by vandals wearing face masks

Vandals wearing face masks have painted over priceless street art in Melbourne’s touristy Hosier Lane. The act has been met with outrage.

Tourists from around the world count Hosier Lane on their must-see list when they visit Melbourne, but there isn’t much to see today.

Vandals hit the popular street art laneway on Saturday night wearing masks and carrying paint guns.

In footage shared on social media, the men casually paint over hundreds of pieces of priceless art.

Victoria Police is investigating.

Joe Musco, who shared a video of the vandalism on his Instagram, wrote: “Check this out. These dudes with face masks carrying fire extinguisher filled with paint hit up Hosier lane tonite.

Police on scene after vandals sprayed over street art on iconic #HosierLane. Culture Kings manager Chase commissioned the Lizzo mural here - says the act is disappointing, but part of the culture. pic.twitter.com/7vEYMe862M

— Patrick Murrell (@pamurrell) February 9, 2020

“A lot of awesome art work was destroyed. I don’t know mate but that’s just s**t. Anyhow that’s how it goes.”

The attack, first reported by 3AW’s Ross and John, was carried out by at least 10 people and was being filmed by a drone.

Ross told listeners this morning the vandals had “obliterated all the street art”.

On social media, the vandalism was met with outrage. 10 News journalist Candice Wyatt called it “vandalism by faceless cowards”.

The New Daily News Editor Andrea Hamblin wrote: “Sad to see some dickheads ruining Hosier Lane. What was the point?”

Paint bomb in #hosierlane #melbourne @abcmelbourne pic.twitter.com/5Tqx4BbkMm

— Iskhandar Razak (@Isk137) February 9, 2020

Melbourne City Council has been approached for comment.

Do you know who’s responsible? Email [e-mail] | Twitter: @ro_smith