FLORENCE, ITALY.-The statue of Neptune in Piazza della Signoria in Florence was damaged last Wednesday when a youngster climbed on it. The statue dates from the 16th century. The right hand of the colossal marble statue was severed by the youngster's attempt to climb the Neptune fountain. Broken fragments damaged other parts of the fountain, including a sea shell on the base.

Police were able to identify two brothers one of whom climbed the fountain before dawn, suffering a slight injury, with images caught by video cameras. The brothers are from Empoli, not far from Florence. Their names were not made public.

The Neptune fountain, designed by Italian sculptor Bartolomeo Ammannati, is also known as "Il Biancone," which translates as "The White Giant." The statue is set in the center of the fountain, with bronze figures at the base.