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Kalgoorlie’s famous Paddy Hannan statue has been beheaded, with authorities in WA’s Goldfields working to track down those responsible.
Police believe vandals decapitated the statue between 11pm and midnight on Wednesday.
“It’s affected a lot of people and talking to locals they all feel the same way — shock and disappointment, to be honest,” City of Kalgoorlie Deputy Mayor Glenn Wilson said.
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The head was recovered by ambulance officers and returned to the local council
It is unclear at this stage how much it will cost to repair and police haven’t speculated on what tool was used to decapitate the statue.
Kalgoorlie’s famous Paddy Hannan statue has been beheaded. Credit: 7NEWS
Paddy Hannan is credited with discovering the first gold in Kalgoorlie, triggering the greatest gold rush in Australia’s history.
The statue, a replica of the figure commissioned in 1929, is located outside Kalgoorlie’s town hall.
“This statue is iconic in respect to that mining town and is an attraction for tourism. It’s a part of the Kalgoorlie community,” WA Police Inspector Geoff DeSanges said.
Barrier fencing has been put in place around the damaged statue.
Police are investigating and anyone with information should contact authorities.
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