A statue has been badly damaged in an overnight attack at the Apprentice Boys' Memorial Hall in Londonderry.
The statue was erected to the memory of the governor at the time of the siege in 1689.
The arms, body and head on the sculpture of the Rev George Walker were damaged during the attack.
A copper plaque dedicated to the 13 Apprentice Boys who closed the gates during siege was also vandalised.
Apprentice Boys Governor, Jim Brownlee said:
"Our Association is angry and frustrated that just weeks after being able to join in celebration with the rest of the City in anticipation of UK City of Culture 2013 that a deliberate and clearly sectarian attack has been made on Protestant culture in this City."
"We have worked tremendously hard to reach out across communities in our city, but there is obviously a need for some to continue to harass, demonise and violently attack our culture and people.
"It is time for the majority and the authorities to bring forward a plan of action to address the on-going and debilitating harassment to which our culture is subjected and our people suffer, that in truth diminishes everyone of whatever community we belong and further tarnishes the City's image."
The original statue was destroyed in an IRA bomb in 1973. Its replacement was created in 1992.
SDLP Foyle MLA Pat Ramsey has condemned the vandalism.
"Respect for different cultures and traditions are essential as we strive to build a shared society and promote Derry as a shared city.
"This type of reckless and thoughtless behaviour sends out the wrong message especially at this time of year when the streets of our city are packed with tourists from all over the globe.
"I would appeal to anyone with any information to contact the police."
© UTV News