A portrait of the Queen at Westminster Abbey in London has been removed from public view after it was defaced, an Abbey spokesman confirmed.

The painting, by artist Ralph Heimans, had been on display in the Chapter House for a few weeks before it was vandalised with paint.

It was unveiled in London last year for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

An Abbey spokesman said: "In an incident at lunchtime today, a visitor to the Abbey sprayed paint on the Ralph Heimans portrait of the Queen presently on display in the Chapter House.

"Until work can be done to remedy the damage it will, very regrettably, not be possible to have the painting on public view."

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