Footage released by Peruvian police shows a man attacking a famous Incan artefact in Cusco, with what they described as a metallic object.

According to the city’s culture ministry, the incident caused ‘irreversible damage’ to the 12-Angle Stone, which was once part of an ancient palace.

A suspect was later detained and authorities said they believed the person behind the attack was intoxicated.

The stone is a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of the advanced stonework of the Inca civilisation.