Police have described as "mindless" vandals who threw paint on a statue of Newcastle United football manager Sir Bobby Robson.

The statue was unveiled in Ipswich in July to mark Sir Bobby's achievements as manager of Ipswich Town in the 1970s and early 1980s.

It stands outside the club's Portman Road ground near to a statue of another famous former Ipswich manager, England's 1966 World Cup-winning coach, Sir Alf Ramsey.

A police spokesman said officers had learned of the attack early on Friday.

"This is just mindless vandalism," said the spokesman.

"We are investigating and would urge anyone who knows anything of this to get in touch."

At the unveiling of the statue in July, Sir Bobby said: "I am overwhelmed.

"Proud and ever so slightly embarrassed. Deeply honoured."