A STONE lantern in Holland Park was damaged when vandals pushed it into a pond.
The Snow Lantern, which forms the centrepiece of the picturesque Kyoto Japanese Gardens, was damaged between Friday night and the early hours of Saturday morning.
The lantern was a gift from the people of Kyoto in 1991 and is valued at several thousand pounds. It will need to undergo extensive repairs or possible replacement.
Insp Mike Rumble, of the Royal Borough's Parks Police, who regularly patrols the park said: "The lantern was made of very heavy granite and it would have taken considerable effort to topple it over into the pond.
"We would like to hear from anyone who visited the Gardens late on Friday and may have seen anyone acting irresponsibly in the area.
"If anyone has anyknowledge of who caused this damage please contact us - any information will be treated in strictest confidence."
This is not the first time vandals have hit the park. Last year, a controversial art work representing the wife of Saddam Hussain was reduced to ashes in an arson attack.
Anyone with information can contact PC Nicholas Henry on 020 7938 8190 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
