Russian tourists assaulted Rome police at Spanish Steps.

Two Russian women, who climbed over the barriers in place around the Barcaccia fountain in Piazza di Spagna, were arrested after assaulting a police officer, according to reports in local media.

The incident took place on 10 February when traffic police spotted the two women, aged 35 and 40, hopping over the barriers surrounding the 17th-century fountain.

However the women evaded the police and began dancing on the miniature marble columns in the exterior ring encircling the monument, which suffered structural damage at the hands of rioting football fans four years ago.

The tourists reportedly proceeded to engage in "provocative and offensive" behaviour at the fountain before assaulting a police officer whose injuries required medical attention.

The women, described by police as "totally out of control", were subsequently charged with resistance, violence and threats to a public official, as well as for personal injury.

The baroque fountain is accredited to Pietro Bernini, with the possible contribution of his celebrated son Gian Lorenzo.