An immediate clean-up of the “irreprehensible vandalism” Bombi gate in Floriana has been ordered according to the Superintendent of Cultural Heritage.

Together with the Department of Restoration and Preservation, a plan has been conceived to restore the historic monument to its former state, with the aim of “completely removing this abuse”.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Culture strongly condemned the vandal act, calling it a “scar” in its statement.

Malta woke up to a shocking act of vandalism this morning, as Bieb il-Bombi was defiled with black spray paint. On the monument, the words “I love you Dali” can be seen sprayed onto it in black, with a series of hearts surrounding the haphazard text.

Floriana’s Local Council Minority decried authorities for failing to reinstall a CCTV camera in the area.

Police were on-site at around 7.30am this morning, along with members from the Forensic Team, to carry out investigations.

The historic entrance towards the capital city of Valletta was built back in 1721, and it was last renovated in 1868.

Does Floriana need to amp up its security?