by Simon Tulett

The Ebbsfleet Landmark will be a highly visible symbol for protesters, but not a target for terrorist attack, experts say.

Mark Wallinger's giant white horse, dubbed the Angel of the South, is more likely to be daubed with grafitti than blown up, according to security specialists.

In an impact statement accompanying plans for the 160ft structure, submitted to Gravesham council last week, ballistic engineers Grendon Design Agency say the landmark should not put nearby residents at any increased risk because it is "not a political monument or national symbol".

Even in the unlikely event that a bomb ripped through one of its legs, the report says, the structure would still stand "albeit with some vertical misalignment".

Simon Trundle, the agency's managing director, goes on to explain exactly how the horse could be brought down, but says any significant damage would be difficult to achieve thanks to a thick layer of render which would covers its steel skeleton frame.

However, the report does concede the structure, like many other national landmarks, could be targeted by protest groups seeking publicity, such as Fathers 4 Justice.

It reads: "The nature of such a protest is most likely to be daubing of the item with paint or with a graffiti-type statement. The open site where the White Horse is located does not provide cover for vandals to operate and therefore it is likely any attack would be in the hours of darkness."

Mr Trundle recommends CCTV around the structure, and says a protective finish would help with the removal of paint or graffiti.

Gravesham borough councillors are set to consider the plans by March, but no date has been set for completion of the project, originally due this year.