Police probe theft of bronze pigeon street sculpture

Police are investigating after the statue was removed from the street

A bronze statue of a pigeon has been stolen from a street in Edinburgh.

The sculpture was one of eight reinstalled on Elm Row after a 17-year absence as part of the capital's tram works in the summer.

However one of the flock - which weigh up to 20lb (9kg) each - has gone missing, leaving nothing but two feet behind on its plinth.

Police are now investigating its disappearance.

The birds, created by sculptor Shona Kinloch, were introduced to the area in 1996.

They endured several instances of theft and vandalism for a decade before being removed altogether in 2006 during initial moves to extend the city's urban rail network to Leith.

The sculptures were later refurbished and completely recast prior to their return.

They were officially reinstalled at a ceremony in July, shortly after the first trams began running to Leith Walk.

'Extremely disappointing'

Police Scotland said inquiries were at an early stage.

Councillor Scott Arthur, Edinburgh's transport and environment convener, branded the theft "extremely disappointing".

He said: “This has been reported to the police and we are sourcing CCTV footage of the area to support investigations.

"In the meantime I would urge anyone with information to come forward to help reinstate this much-loved pigeon in its rightful home.”