Cast iron stag statue stolen from holiday park

The statue was a familiar sight for passers-by and had sentimental value says the park

A heavy cast iron stag statue has been stolen from outside a holiday park.

The statue, which stood about 5ft (1.5m) tall and weighed about 220lb (100kg), was mounted on a concrete base weighing about 400lb (180kg) outside Tamar View Holiday Park in St Ann's Chapel, near Callington, east Cornwall.

Naomi Pike, marketing manager at the park, said the theft which has been reported to police, was thought to have happened in the early hours of Sunday and was discovered by staff on Monday.

"It's a big stag," Ms Pike told BBC Radio Cornwall. "We think it would have taken two or three people, or even machinery, to lift it. The base has gone too, so it's quite a feat."

The statue had stood at the entrance for years, welcoming guests and becoming a familiar sight for locals.

"It's become a bit of an accidental landmark," Ms Pike said. "Everyone knows it when they pass through the village. There's been a lot of disbelief and sadness, it's such a familiar part of life in the community."

Despite appeals on social media, there have been no sightings. "It's more sentimental than anything," Ms Pike added.

"We've got no idea where he's gone, but if he could just stagger on home soon, we'd be over the moon."