Gisborne war memorial lions defaced, cleanup efforts ongoing

Extensive cleaning efforts have failed to remove all the red paint from the Cenotaph lions. Photo / Murray Robertson

The four Cenotaph lions vandalised with red paint on Monday night are still showing signs of damage despite extensive cleaning efforts by contractors.

Police said there was no evidence that the attack was related to a gang tangi on Monday.

This is what the four Cenotaph lions looked like after extensive efforts by contractors to remove the red paint. Photo / Murray Robertson

Considerable paint smears and stains were still showing yesterday.

Council director of liveable communities Michele Frey said the team were considering the long-term discolouration issue.

“We are working through the best remediation options in close consultation with the conservation architect experts.”

She praised the cleaning efforts of Recreational Services workers.

“They did a fantastic job of getting to the Cenotaph immediately following notification of vandalism. They took action to address the major discolouration.”

Contractors' efforts have failed to remove all the red paint from the four Cenotaph lions. Photo / Murray Robertson

The attack on the war memorial has sparked widespread outrage in the community.

This is what the four Cenotaph lions looked like after extensive efforts by contractors to remove the red paint. Photo / Murray Robertson

Police were continuing their inquiries.