A statue in honour of Thin Lizzy frontman Phil Lynott in Dublin, which has been badly damaged after vandals pushed it over (Garda/PA)

A statue in honour of Thin Lizzy frontman Phil Lynott has been badly damaged after vandals pushed it over.

The life-size bronze sculpture just off Grafton Street has been removed after it almost split in two on impact.

Gardai said two men, thought to be aged in their 20s, carried out the vandalism at about 4.15am on Harry Street.

The statue sits near the front door of Bruxelles bar.

The suspects left the area on foot in the direction of Grafton Street and on to Wicklow Street. Gardai said one was wearing a white shirt, a tie, trousers or jeans and had short dark hair while the second man wore a navy or dark jacket, had a tight haircut and heavy build.

Gardai said two men aged in their 20s later handed themselves in at Pearse Street station and were released without charge.

A file is being prepared on the case for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Gardai in Pearse Street said they wanted to make a specific appeal for a number of people to come forward, including the group who lifted the statue after the attack, a man driving a white van who may have been making deliveries nearby and anyone else who saw the incident.

The statue, which was badly cracked across the midriff, has been removed for repairs.

PA Media