Unknown vandals have painted “Free Hong Kong” on Denmark’s most famous landmark, the Little Mermaid, a bronze statue that is especially popular with Chinese tourists.

The 107-year-old sculpture, which depicts the little mermaid from 19th-century Danish author Hans Christian Andersen’s tale of the same name, is perched on a rock by a waterside promenade.

Police were seen searching for clues in the area with flashlights and a dog after the predawn vandalism was reported. No one has been apprehended.


Copenhagen police have launched an investigation. Superintendent Jesper Frandsen of the Copenhagen police said on Monday they reviewed surveillance footage and interviewed witnesses. Sniffer dogs were also deployed to find possible paint cans or other items, he added.

More than one million tourists visit the Little Mermaid every year. Sitting on a rock at the entrance of the Copenhagen harbour since 1913, she has been a popular target for vandals, who have blown her off her perch, beheaded her and painted her.


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