Trollpikken, a popular tourist attraction, is broken, bearing cracks and holes that suggest it has been vandalised, say experts

This article is more than 3 years old

This article is more than 3 years old

Activists are collecting money to repair a penis-shaped rock formation in southern Norway after the popular tourist attraction was found badly damaged.

Joggers on Saturday discovered that the Trollpikken rock formation appeared to have been cut off, and noted drilling holes in the rock – which experts said strongly suggested the rock had been vandalised.

By Sunday more than 500 people had donated nearly 90,000 Norwegian kroner (£8,400) to fix the formation which is in Eigersund, south of Stavanger.

Kjetil Bentsen, an activist, told the public broadcaster NRK that he was convinced the Trollpikken would be rebuilt with donated money.

Police were looking for tips to find those responsible for the damage. A crime of environmental vandalism, classed as serious, can bring a prison sentence.