A tourist holding keys carves on the wall of the Colosseum in Rome, Italy June 23, 2023. (Screengrab)

Italian police say they have successfully identified an individual from the UK as the prime suspect responsible for carving an inscription into a wall of the Colosseum, ending a four-day hunt.

A video that was posted earlier on Youtube, before going viral on other social media platforms, revealed a man in a blue shirt engraving his and his girlfriend's names on the historical landmark using a key, reading: “Ivan + Hayley 23”.

İtalya’da bir turist başkent Roma’nın simge yapılarından Kolezyum’a kendisi ve sevgilisinin ismini anahtarla kazırken yakalandı. Turistin her yıl milyonlarca yerli ve yabancı ziyaretçiyi ağırlayan yapının duvarına “Ivan + Hayley 23” yazdığı anlar başka bir turist tarafından kayıt… pic.twitter.com/YAe3wLZyWR
— TVNET (@tvnet) June 28, 2023

The footage caused public outrage, which eventually alarmed the police of the unlawful act.

The police are yet to fully disclose the suspect's identity, but confirmed that Ivan is a fitness instructor who lives in Bristol.

A note informing him that he is under investigation was sent by the police to his address. His girlfriend, on the other hand, is not being looked into, Il Messaggero reported.

In the event that Ivan is convicted, he will be looking at a prison term of up to five years and a minimum fine of €15,000 (£12,900).

The Italian culture minister thanked law enforcement units for identifying the suspect that carried out the “uncivilized and absurd act committed at the Colosseum”.

“It was an act that offended those around the world who appreciate the value of archaeology, monuments, and history,” Gennaro Sangiuliano said.

"Now I hope justice will take its course by rigorously applying the laws.”