Village of Islington residents are in shock that some of their beautiful works of art have been sprayed with graffiti by vandals.

Police from 22 Division are trying to find the culprit who sprayed black paint on beautiful murals that attracts thousands of art lovers to Dundas St. W.

Some 28 murals along a five block stretch of Dundas W. between Islington and Kipling have been painted with spectacular murals that captures the history of the area.

The Mural Mosaic has been entertaining visitors since 2004 and includes more than two dozen colourful murals that spans more than 15,000 feet of outdoor art space, according to the Village of Islington Business Improvement Area website.

“The mural collection features photo realistic art, illustrating actual people, places and events from the past connecting to our area’s history,” the site says.

Police on March 4 Tweeted a photo of some of the damaged murals and said “they are actively investigating” the incident.

“This week vandals ruined the beautiful Toronto Village murals along Dundas Street West,” officers from 22 Division said in the Tweet.

The Village of Islington BIA in cooperation with the City of Toronto, Heritage Etobicoke Foundation, The Etobicoke Historical Society, local BIA businesses and sponsors are behind the Mural Mosaic Project.

Most of the murals were painted by artist John Kuna. Arts Etobicoke, Creative Village and Sarah Collard also contributed works.

Among the works sprayed with graffiti are: Honouring Islington Fire Brigade; showing proud firefighters of the 1940s and 1950s at work.

Also damaged is a huge piece of stunning art called Timeline: Islington Then and Now; painted in 2006 and features cars from the 1950s and Musson’s General Store in the 1880s, now a Second Cup.

The Mural Mosaic art walk is a favourite with visitors to the area and more than 6,000 art lovers have been on group tours to enjoy the art.

“It is a chance for people to get out and see a unique neighbourhood with interesting stories to tell and great food to enjoy,” the BIA said.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-2200, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477) #etobicoke #toronto