A giant inflatable statue of Christmas tree, which caused outrage among Parisians for its resemblance to a sex toy, has been damaged by vandals.

The 24-meter sculpture, created by American contemporary artist Paul McCarthy, shocked the French capital when it was put up as part of the International Contemporary Art Fair.

The artist later told French newspaper Le Monde that the sculpture was inspired both by a sex toy and a Christmas tree.

But the artwork stood on the upmarket Place Vendome for less than 48 hours, before vandals cut cables holding it up, causing the structure to collapse.

While the art festival organisers wanted to re-inflate the statue, Mr McCarthy decided against it, France24 reported.