THE face of Merlin carved into the rocks at Tintagel has been damaged — but it is not yet certain if it was deliberately vandalised.

A part of the nose of the carving of the legendary wizard is missing, and photographer Peter Glaser believes the damage is deliberate.

He told the Post: “I’m not an expert on chiselling or stone work but my first immediate thought when I saw the damage was it just looks like a bolster or chisel has been taken to it and you can see that from the photo.

“I’m not an expert but that’s my gut feeling.”

Mr Glaser had heard about the damage from another photographer, David Flower, at the fortnightly ‘Talking Shop’, held at the Bettle and Chisel Inn, Delabole. Mr Glaser photographed the damage on the afternoon of Wednesday, May 25.

The Post has previously reported on the face of Merlin that was carved into the rocks by ‘Merlin’s Cave’ as part of a project at Tintagel Castle. It was the work of local craftsman Peter Graham.

Alex Page, historic properties director for the West, English Heritage, said: “We can’t be certain whether this is deliberate or natural wear and tear. If it was deliberate then we’re disappointed. The carving has been immensely popular with the public since we unveiled it, and visitors young and old have enjoyed hunting for it amongst the rocks.”