Vandals have targeted a number of the collection of lion statues in Bath.

The 6ft-long sculptures are part of the Lions of Bath 2010 arts project, and have been designed and sponsored by local businesses and groups.

Out of the 50 so far on display in the city, nine have been vandalised, and have now been removed for repair.

Police believe they identified the culprits behind one attack, using CCTV footage, and organisers say they are fed up with the incidents.

They have warned that the damage will cut the money going to good causes when the models are auctioned at the end of the project.

Lions of Bath co-organiser Sue Yates-Price said: "We are angry because we really hadn't anticipated this level of vandalism in Bath. The more people we can encourage to take ownership of the lions and protect them from the idiotic minority, the better."

Fellow organiser Megan Witty urged people to report any potential troublemakers using the telephone number on the plaques of each sculpture or to contact the police.

Uhuru, a lion standing in Kingsmead Square, was vandalised on Friday night.

It is sponsored by property firm HPH, whose managing director Lindsey Holdaway said: "There has been almost a constant stream of kids wanting their photo on him.

"It's a shame the vandals deprive children in this way."

The lion sponsored by San Francisco Fudge Factory was pushed off the roof of its building.

Another 50 lions have yet to be put in position.

The project is raising money for local good causes – the children's charity Off the Record, the Quartet Community Foundation and the Mayor's Relief Fund for Bath – and more details are on the website www.lionsofbath. co.uk.