A man has been arrested and is in custody after the “vile” vandalism of the NSW Police Wall of Remembrance in Sydney.

The 43-year-old was arrested in Glebe this afternoon following a “swift investigation”, NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley and NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb confirmed.

“An investigation was commenced and thankfully a short time ago, officers arrested a man at Glebe and he is currently in custody at Day Street police station,” Webb told media.

“We will wait for him to be interviewed and hopefully he will be before the court for [allegedly] damaging what is a very special place for police officers.

“This wall names police officers over 160 years who have lost their lives on duty. To have it damaged, and this way, is like sacrilege to police officers and we’re very pleased that someone will now be before the court.”

Catley said the defacement of the memorial to fallen police officers was a “vile attack” and “nothing short of disgusting”.

“This is a sacred site, and let me tell you, the names on this wall are of police officers who have died in the line of duty,” she said.

“Police are taking this very, very seriously.”

Vandals caused what police describe as “significant” damage to the NSW Police Wall of Remembrance in the Domain about 3.15am on Saturday.

The wall commemorates officers killed in the line of duty.

The words “evil” and “dogs” were seen inscribed on the monument.

Police out on Australia Day duties saw the damage at about noon yesterday, kicking off an investigation.

Repair works are underway.

Premier Chris Minns said it was “disgusting” behaviour on the part of the vandals.

“To deface a memorial that commemorates police officers who have served the state, and those who have lost their lives while on duty, is the lowest of the low,” he said.

Police Minister Yasmin Catley said earlier investigators would leave “no stone unturned” to catch those responsible.

Anybody with information, CCTV, or dashcam footage in relation to the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.