COPENHAGEN, May 31 — Denmark's famous landmark "The Little Mermaid” doused in red paint by anti-whaling activists.

The Copenhagen-based statue, which is over 100 years old, was covered in the blood-red paint yesterday afternoon.

An accompanying message on the ground reading in English: "Danmark defend the whales of the Faroe Islands.”

People take photos near to the Little Mermaid statue which was painted red in what local authorities say is an act of vandalism, in Copenhagen, Denmark May 30, 2017. — Reuters pic

Whaling close to shore is permitted in the Faroe islands, which lie hundreds of kilometres from Denmark but are a self-governing offshoot of the country.

Danish police say they are investigating the incident as vandalism, but that they don't yet know the identity of those responsible.

The statue, which depicts the little mermaid from Danish author Hans Christian Andersen"s famous story has been damaged several times in the past — including two decapitations. — Reuters