The criminal damage in the Falls Road area was reported at around 7.20am on Friday. Police said enquiries are ongoing at this time. SDLP MLA for West Belfast Alex Attwood has said that the incident was offensive and upsetting for local people. "It is very upsetting for local people to see the statue damaged in this way and is incredibly offensive that anyone would behave in this way," he commented. "It seems likely that this was an attempt to steal the statue and given the time of year, it is questionable where it might have ended up. "This is completely irresponsible action, and I would encourage those of influence in the community to discourage this kind of behaviour. Anyone with any information should contact the PSNI."