THEY'VE been on the streets for just a few nights, but already Newport's SuperDragons have been vandalised.

Newport City Council informed the police after five dragon models had their legs smashed, wings broken off and graffiti strewn over them.

The models were among the 60 five-foot tall dragon artworks that were installed at landmarks across Newport this weekend, ready for the official launch of the SuperDragons trail yesterday.

Four of the models have been so badly damaged they have been removed from the trail and are currently being repaired.

They are expected to go back in the next few weeks. Among the dragons targeted by vandals were:

* Recycled Royston, at the Newport footbridge, which has been ripped off its base, had its wing split and eye damaged

* A present from Newport, located near Tredegar House, which had its leg smashed and cracked

* Water is life, at the Wave, had its wing broken off and its back split

*Hope for youth, at Barrack Hill, which had graffiti strewn over its back

*Super city dragon, on High Street, which was split down its back.

Council leader Councillor Matthew Evans said it was "extremely dissapointing" that the "mindless acts" of a few individuals had seen some of the models removed.

He said: "The project is part of the Newport Festival 2010 which is about taking pride in our city. "It is a shame that not everyone who lives in our city shares this sentiment."

One of the vandalised designs - Recycled Royston - was produced by a University of Wales, Newport, student Amy Fletcher.

Hellen Beddow of the university said they were incredibly dissapointed for Amy.

She said: "It is very frustrating that a few mindless individuals have decided to destroy the hard work of those involved in the project."

CCTV footage of the areas where the SuperDragons have been vandalised is currently being reviewed, and the police have been informed, Newport Council said.

Anyone with information about those responsible are asked to contact info@wildinart.co.uk Gwent Police are also appealing for information.

Call 01633 838111 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

EDITORIAL COMMENT: Vandalism is tragic

HOW bitterly disappointing to see vandals have struck Newport’s SuperDragons just a few days after they’ve been put on the streets.

Five of the dragon models have had legs smashed, wings broken off and graffiti strewn over them.

Sixty of the five-foot tall dragon art works, have been put up across Newport to launch a SuperDragons trail.

It’s nothing short of tragic that vandals have done this.

These dragons are a credit to the city.

They are interesting and will draw in visitors.

That someone can just try and destroy this work is a sad reflection on them as an individual.

They really need to get a grip. Let’s hope they’re caught soon and as well has having some swift justice delivered we’d like to see them given lessons in pride.