The bronze Phil Lynott statue on Harry Street in Dublin has suffered significant damage after it was knocked over by two men this morning.

Two men were in their 20s were arrested by Gardai after the presented themselves at Pearse Street Garda station this evening. They have since been released without charge. A file is being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The statue cracked when it hit the ground and has been removed for repairs. Gardai said two men in their twenties; one wearing white shirt with a tie, trousers and with short dark hair and a second male wearing a dark jacket, with tight hair and heavy build, pushed over the memorial at 4.15am.

Earlier gardai appealed for a number of people in the area at the time to contact them, including a group of people who lifted the statue after it was damaged and a white van driver who was in the area at the time.

The statue was erected as a tribute to the star in 2005 and Lynott’s mother, Philomena, and the then Dublin Lord Mayor, Catherine Byrne, and hundreds of fans attended the unveiling.

It was commissioned by the Roisín Dubh Trust, which commemorates the musician’s work, and sculpted by Paul Daly.

The bronze statue was cast by Leo Higgins and the plinth carved by sculptor Tom Glendon.