A THIEF has been branded a “lowlife” after stealing a pot plant from outside a Bridgwater nursery, which had been lovingly tended by children since the site opened five years ago.

The two and a half foot tall fern-like plant and the blue pot it stood in were swiped from outside the front door of First Steps Nursery, Fothergill Business Park, in Colley Lane.

Staff found that it had gone when they opened up last Monday and were sickened that anybody could take something from a nursery.

The theft was particularly upsetting for the children at the nursery, who had watched it slowly grow over the years and loved looking after it.

Owner Maxine Butler said: “Who on earth could take anything from what is obviously a nursery? It was a plant that we had had since the nursery opened five years ago and the children who have been here have watered it every day and watched it grow. Now some lowlife has taken it.

“Maybe they wanted the pot, but it’s terrible that someone could do that. “The children have noticed it’s gone and it’s a shame. It was a lot smaller when it was first planted in 2010 and we’ve seen it grow by at least a foot. “We think it was taken sometime overnight on Saturday, May 16.”

Police have been informed and it is hoped that the thief or thieves will be found and the plant can be returned. Anyone with information about the theft should call police on 101, or contact Crimestoppers 0800 555111.