A LOVINGLY restored Georgian folly has fallen victim to vandals, prompting a wave of outrage and disgust.

Within hours of photos showing the damage caused to the Temple of Minerva at Hardwick Park, near Sedgefield, County Durham, being posted online, 14,000 people had viewed the images.

As well as gouging holes and initials KG, CM, TG and KG into the lime rendered walls, the vandals drew a smiley face using their own blood and attempted to kick down the door.

Smashed bottles of alcohol were also found scattered around the 18th century building and a nearby bird table was discovered in pieces in the lake.

On the social networking website Facebook, 126 people have left angry comments on the photos, labelling the act, which took place overnight on Friday, May 10, as disgraceful, terrible, mindless and sick.

Park manager Sara Fortune said the damage would cost around £2,000 to repair.

“It is really shocking to be honest,” she said. “This is something the community enjoys – a structure that was funded by the nation and has become the icon of the park.

“Gangs of kids have been meeting at the temple for sometime but we have never had any damage before.”

Sedgefield Neighbourhood Police Team are investigating the image and are now looking at CCTV footage from the night.

Mrs Fortune has also contacted Sedgefield Community College, which intends to hold a special assembly to stress the importance of respecting other people’s property.

A listed building, The Temple of Minerva dates back to 1757.

It was restored in 2009 as part of the £10m redevelopment of Hardwick Park and is not used as an art gallery. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Sedgefield Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 101.