Reuters 30 January 2021
LONDON (Reuters) - British police are searching for the vandal or vandals who painted a COVID-19 face mask on the figure of a mysterious giant carved into a hillside in southern England.
The Long Man of Wilmington, a 235-foot high chalk outline holding a white stick in each hand, is protected by law as an ancient monument. Its exact origins are disputed but many archaeologists date it to the Anglo-Saxon or medieval periods.
"Whilst this damage may have been perpetrated for humour or some other reason, the actions that have been taken are unacceptable," said Tom Carter, a sergeant with Sussex Police.
"The Long Man of Wilmington is protected by law as a Scheduled Ancient Monument for its historical significance."
A Reuters photographer who visited the site on Saturday afternoon said the mask had been removed.
(Reporting by Andrew MacAskill; Editing by David Holmes)
