A VALUABLE statue created by an artist from the Bridgwater area has been stolen overnight.

The large bronze statue of a hare was taken from a trade stand at the Badminton Horse Trials last night into this morning (Saturday to Sunday, May 7-8).

The statue, which is on a hamstone base and measures 135cm in height, was made by Jan Sweeny, who is based at Stawell, and is valued at £19,000.

PC Matt Leigh, of Avon and Somerset Police, said: “Being bronze, the statue weighs a considerable amount and so it’s likely more than one person was involved in removing it from the trade stand it was on display at.

“We’re keen to hear from anyone who may have seen it being removed or transported and are also asking those at Badminton today to keep an eye out for it.

“If you have information which could help us recover the statue and find those responsible for the theft, please contact us.”

If you can help, call police on 101 and give the call handler the reference number 5222108421, or complete our online appeals form.