YOUNG vandals were caught on camera as they attacked the famous lions in Heaton Park, just days after they underwent a £28,000 renovation.

Names were scratched into the surface of the lead sculptures which stand guard outside Heaton Hall.

But thanks to the park's newly-installed CCTV system, the youths were caught on film on Saturday. Four were arrested and later bailed.

Teresa Grant, general manager of the park, said: "The vandals were videoed by our security cameras and I am delighted to say there was an immediate response from both our security and the police."

Coun Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council, said: "For a few hooligans to vandalise the lions, which are the symbol of the regeneration of Heaton Park, is absolutely disgraceful, and I am sure that all local residents will join with us in condemning such mindless acts of vandalism."

The lions are to be repaired as soon as possible by the restoration firm Morris Singer.

The hollow cast lead lions were made in 1772 for Sir Thomas Egerton who then owned Heaton Hall. They were designed by sculptor John Cheere. Over the years they have been constantly under attack from vandalism and the weather.

They were first restored in 1989 but the problems still continued.

This last restoration, when the hollow lions were strengthened with stainless steel before being filled with a mixture of concrete and flint, took five months, and they returned to their park lair a week ago.

The renovation of the lions is part of Heaton Park's £30 million regeneration funded by National Lottery cash.

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