A man threw a bucket of red dye into Rome's Trevi fountain in front of astonished crowds Friday.

The fountain, which normally runs on a closed cycle, was left gushing red water. It was briefly shutdown in order for technicians to restore normal clear water flow.

According to experts, the fountain has not suffered any long-lasting damage and the marble statues depicting the sea deity Neptune on his chariot have not been discolored.

Leaflets were left near the fountain by an unknown group, ATM Azionefuturista 2007, denouncing the Rome Film Festival. Particular reference was made to the festival's red carpet.

The leaflets read: "You wanted just a red carpet - we want a city entirely in vermilion. We who are vulnerable, old, ill, students, workers, we come with vermilion to colour your greyness", reports BBC News.

The baroque landmark is popular amongst tourists and has appeared in several movies including Federico Fellini's 1960 classic La Dolce Vita.

Italy's Culture Minister Francesco Rutelli has called for a new anti-vandalism law to deal with such crimes.

So far no arrests have been made.