IT WAS a charge that was meant to bring the “wow” factor to Southampton – showcasing the city’s talent and raising vital cash for charity.

But instead, the brightly coloured Go! Rhinos sculptures that have popped up in city streets and parks have become a target for mindless vandals.

Just one week into the public art extravaganza and five of the life-sized rhinos have been defaced – some so badly that they may have to be removed from the trail to be repaired.

Marwell, which organised the event, is also considering changing the location of some of the worst-hit sculptures to try to prevent a repeat of such callous actions.

The first rhino to be vandalised was Crest Nicholson’s Cosmos Rhino, located in Watts Park, with graffiti on both sides of it.

The damage took place over the opening weekend of the trail.

Fortunately the damage was minimal and the artist Drew Saunders was able to paint over it yesterday.

The rhino most targeted has been Balfour Beatty’s rhino Seymour, found in Above Bar Street, which has had its headphones damaged, a cigarette hole burnt into his clothing and his hard hat stolen.

Others targeted are Totton College's rhino, Augustus, in East Park which has been kicked in the bottom, Terence O’Rourke’s rhino Beatrix, in Watts Park, which has been cracked and Greenspan’s It’s Not a Target rhino, in Houndwell Park, which has a hole in it.

Similar projects have taken place across the UK in recent years but Bristol’s Gromits Unleashed is the only other to have suffered from vandalism.

The incidents have been reported to police and it is hoped that there may be CCTV footage to help catch those responsible.

Kirstie Mathieson, Go! Rhinos project manager, said: “We are extremely upset and disappointed by these acts of deliberate vandalism.

“The artists have worked hard to create stunning sculptures that the whole city can enjoy and thousands of people are enjoying following the trail.

“It’s shocking to think that anyone would want to damage something which will eventually raise vital funds for three local charities, The Rose Road Association’s work with disadvantaged children, Wessex Heartbeat’s HIGH 5 appeal and Marwell’s conservation efforts.

“All the sculptures will be fixed as soon as possible but may have to be removed whilst repairs take place or even relocated.”

The trail is due to last for ten-weeks with the hope of offering a unique day out and bringing a boost to the local economy.

At the end of the trail the sculptures will be auctioned off and the money split between the three charities.