Police hunt three people over statue vandalism

The charity said it had to remove the damaged statues from the Maidstone trail

Police are searching for three people after a charity's two Shaun the Sheep statues were vandalised.

The sculptures were destroyed in Maidstone, Kent, where they were among 100 unique pieces on a trail of the children's cartoon character placed around the town since June.

The sheep, designed and hand painted by local artists, were due to be auctioned by the Heart of Kent Hospice, and were expected to raise up to £10,000.

Located in Brenchley Gardens and Fremlin Walk, the statues were "damaged beyond repair" shortly after 22:00 BST on 18 August, said Kent Police.

Three males reportedly took turns to kick the Fremlin Walk statue, before pushing it over, the force said.

One was described as Asian, wearing a black t-shirt with a small circular white logo, black trousers and black boots.

The other two were described as white, with one wearing a grey hoodie and black shorts, the other a long-sleeved black polo neck top and dark blue jeans.

All three were thought to be in their late teens or early 20s, said police.

The hospice said earlier it was "heartbroken" by the vandalism.