Vandals knock head off statue in Folkestone park

After: The council said the incident was a result of 'pointless vandalism'

Vandals have removed the head from a statue in a Kent park.

Folkestone & Hythe District Council said it is "incredibly upset" after the incident, which it has described as an act of "pointless vandalism".

The council posted before and after pictures of the Radnor Park statue on X, saying it was "not a game of spot the difference we wanted to play".

"It is hoped a replacement can be arranged, but that takes time and costs taxpayers' money," the council told its followers.

One of the shared images of the St Eanswythe sculpture appears without its head.

St Eanswythe is believed to have founded a nunnery at Folkestone around the middle of the 7th Century.

Before: The sculpture depicted St Eanswythe, whose remains were found in a local church

The incident is believed to have taken place between Wednesday and Friday last week.

A council spokesperson said: "We’re incredibly upset that such, let’s be honest, pointless vandalism has happened in one of our much-loved parks with Green Flag status."

Kent Police said it was contacted about the damage on Tuesday.

It is appealing for anyone with information to come forward, quoting reference 46/104967/24.