Police have launched an investigation into the "mindless" damage to an iconic Welsh memorial near Aberystwyth.

The Cofiwch Dryweryn memorial on the A487 near Llanrhystud was vandalised twice in one week.

Dyfed-Powys Police recorded the incident as a hate crime as well as criminal damage.

A police spokeswoman said CCTV has been set up at the scene.

Volunteers rebuilt the wall on Saturday after vandals smashed part of it a day after it was defaced with graffiti.

The roadside memorial has stood since the 1960s and refers to the flooding of Capel Celyn village, near Bala, to provide water for Liverpool in 1965.

In February, the unofficial monument was defaced with the word Elvis but was painted back by a university student from Llanerfyl and his group of friends.

Dyfed-Powys Powys say they are aware that the memorial has been repeatedly damaged with graffiti over the last few months and has caused "significant distress to communities both locally and nationally".

Inspector Chris Fraser said: “I understand the strength of feeling about the Cofiwch Dryweryn memorial, and that repeated damage to it has caused significant upset in the community.

“I want to give reassurance that we are taking this matter seriously, and will carry out a full investigation in to this mindless damage."

Witnesses are asked to come forward and speak to the police by calling 101 quoting 55 of April 13.