The recently restored Victoria Gate in Ta’ Liesse, Valletta was vandalised sometime between Thursday and yesterday when material was placed beneath its arch and set on fire.

Condemning the attack, the Resources Ministry said it was a pity that there were still “irresponsible” people who were ready to vandalise the country’s heritage.

“Whoever committed this vandal attack does not appreciate the work done by dedicated workers who restored this jewel attentively and with great skill,” it said.

A spokesman said Restoration Unit employees were on site soon after the attack was discovered to remove the soot caused by the fire.

He said an architect will now assess the damage done to the stone before deciding whether any further treatment is necessary.

The Victoria Gate, one of the entrances to the capital city, was built in 1885 and named after Queen Victoria. It has been given a new look by government workers as part of a regeneration project of the general Ta’ Liesse area, which included the church of Notre Dame de Liesse, the steps leading to St Ursula Street and St John’s Street and St Barbara Bastion.