Police have confirmed they are investigating the vandalism of seven statues in Parliament Square after Saturday's transgender rights protest.

Metropolitan Police confirmed they are treating the incidents as criminal damage.

No arrests have been made so far in connection with the defacement.

Among the damaged statues was one of women's votes campaigner Dame Millicent Fawcett, which had "Fag rights" and a heart painted on its banner.

A statue of Jan Christian Smuts was sprayed with "trans rights are human rights" on its pedestal.

Officers are currently reviewing CCTV footage from the area to identify those responsible.

The Met is appealing for witnesses to come forward with information, pictures or footage by calling 101.

Police are working with the Greater London Authority to remove the graffiti, which requires specialist equipment.

Chief Superintendent Stuart Bell, who led the policing operation, said: "Criminal damage and vandalism like this has no place on the streets of London and spoils the area for locals and those visiting."

"While the police support the public's right to protest, criminality like this is senseless and unacceptable."