Vandals have targeted nearly a fifth of a collection of fundraising lion statues in Bath.

The 6ft sculptures are part of the Lions of Bath 2010 arts project, and have been designed and sponsored by local businesses and groups.

Out of the 50 so far on display in the city, nine have been vandalised and have now been removed for repair.

Police believe they identified the culprits behind one attack using CCTV footage, and organisers say they are fed up with the incidents.

They have warned that the damage will reduce the money going to good causes when the models are auctioned at the end of the project.

Lions of Bath co-organiser Sue Yates-Price said: "We are angry because we really hadn't anticipated this level of vandalism in Bath.

"The city seems to be a different place after darkness falls and it's difficult to point the finger of blame.

"The more people we can encourage to enjoy and take ownership of the lions and protect them from the idiotic minority, the better."

The lion sponsored by San Francisco Fudge Factory was pushed off the roof of its building in Abbey Green.

Manager Maureen Lechmere said: "Our lion suffered damage to the head which is now being repaired.

"Lots of visitors are coming into the shop asking where he is."

Police city centre beat manager Sgt Richard Durnford said: "This is mindless vandalism by people who have probably had too much to drink.

"Like all cases of criminal damage, we treat this very seriously and will take action against those responsible."

Another 50 lions have yet to be put in position.

Bath film director and football fan Ken Loach this week put the finishing touches to a group of lions in time for the start of the World Cup.

The Three Lions were unveiled at his beloved Bath City Football Club, where Mr Loach added a finishing touch to Lionheart, which is covered in hearts designed by people from the city.

Two others lions joined the pride, Abstract Africa, which features African patterns and landscapes, and Street Lion, which is covered in street names from Bath.

Mr Loach said: "I think the lions are wonderful and add to the excitement of the city.

"Passers-by can stop and look at all the different creations.

"I was pleased to be able to add my mark to the Lionheart design."

All three of the lions have been sponsored by Andrews estate agents.

Staff from patent firm Abel and Imray, which has an office in James Street West, have stepped up to protect the lions with intellectual property protection, against what would literally be copycats.

This will prevent anyone from being able to copy their shape or produce bootleg merchandise.

Patent and trademark attorney Jim Pearson said organisers had been keen to protect the products after the success of a similar pigs project two years ago.

"Organisers were quite surprised about how the last project took off and this time wanted to do a bit more to protect them."

The company also has its own model, which has been named Eureka and is positioned in the Podium shopping centre.

Two lions, Bloom and Earth Lion, have gone on display outside the Royal Crescent Hotel.

Sponsored by accountancy firm Deloitte, they were designed by winners from a competition.

Ilham Mohamed, a Year 2 pupil from Hannah More Primary School in Bristol, created Bloom, while Sarah Grace, who works in Deloitte's Tax department, designed Earth Lion.

Finally, an artist from Russia has travelled to Bath to design one of the lions.

Councillor Marion McNeir met Lada Pestretsova while in the country and was impressed with her paintings.

She invited Lada to Bath to design a twinning association lion.

More details about the Lions of Bath project can be found at www.lionsofbath.com.