Phil Lynott statue damaged

The statue of the iconic Phil Lynott on Dublin's Harry Street suffered accidental damage last night, with a large crack now running through its bronze midriff.

Lynott's mother Philomena gave her reaction to the initially distressing news this morning.

"I was very upset at first because the thought that it might have been vandalism made me feel terrible," Philomena Lynott told Hot Press. "But it seems now that it was just a bunch of high spirited boys, who meant no harm. So I am not annoyed with them. I'm only hoping that none of the lads got hurt."

A group had apparently been taking photos with the statue and inadvertently knocked it over, resulting in Lynott's bronze coat suffering a large tear.

The people in Bruxelles found it standing upright when they arrived on Harry Street this morning.

It means the statue is now being sent back to the foundry in which it was originally cast for repairs.

The Phil Lynott statue, which bears a remarkable likeness to the late rock icon, was unveiled in front of a huge crowd of famous friends, musicians and fans in August 2005. It was the culmination of many years of campaigning on the part of his mother Philomena Lynott and the Roisin Dubh Trust.

The current plan is to have the statue back in situ in a week's time.

"It means so much to fans of Philip's to make the pilgrimage to Dublin," Philomena added, "So I know that fans all over the world will be anxious to hear that everything is going to be alright.

"The good news statue is being repaired and that Philip will look down over his beloved Grafton Street again very soon."