They said they were graffiti proof, but determined vandals set out to prove them wrong.

Earlier this month we reported on multi-coloured cones that are proudly dominating West Street, Brighton, as part of a £25,000 art project.

Brighton and Hove City Council claimed the sculptures were protected by a special anti-graffiti surface.

The cones, which are 8ft to 12ft tall, were designed by Nottingham-based artist Raphael Daden, 28, as part of a Per Cent for Art project.

His aim was to create a celebrated and positive beacon for the city's residents.

Vandals had other ideas and yesterday daubed the eye-catching creations with their tags.

But the cones will make their point when council staff simply wipe away the graffiti.

A spokeswoman for the council sent a warning to the spray-can yobs, reminding them police are cracking down on graffiti in the city.

She said: "The people who did this should read The Argus from this week and they will see that police are out to get graffiti artists.

"They should think again because they will get caught sooner or later."

The cones have been illuminated at night and an official opening ceremony has been pencilled in for April 26.