A BELFAST footbridge has been damaged in an overnight attack by vandals.
The Lagan Weir bridge was closed on Saturday after a dozen glass panels were smashed.
It is believed the glass was either kicked or hammered with a blunt object.
Lighting on the base of the bridge was also damaged in the attack.
The footbridge was opened two years ago at a cost of £5 million and connects Donegall Quay to Queen’s Quay.
Thousands of pedestrians used the bridge every week and the repair bill is expected to run into the thousands.
Donal Kelly of tour company Belfast Mic Tours said he hopes it can be more closely monitored in the future.
"I was shocked and disappointed to see the extent of the damage as I cycled across the bridge yesterday morning," he said.
"For the past two years I have been offering guided cycling and walking tours that include the Lagan Weir Bridge and it is a valuable part of the tourist offering in Belfast."
Last year, the footbridge was awarded the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors Northern Ireland 'Infrastructure' Award for its design.
