Hull seafarers' statue stolen from Victoria Pier

The stolen 'Voyage' statue looks out across the Humber from Victoria Pier

Hull City Council has appealed for the return of a large bronze statue stolen from Victoria Pier.

'Voyage', which stands at nearly 6ft (180 cm) and weighs about 47.2 stone (300kg), was taken from its plinth on Sunday night.

The statue was commissioned to celebrate the connection between Hull and the Icelandic town of Vik.

Lord Mayor Colin Inglis called the theft "an assault upon the traditions and culture of this city".

A corresponding statue, called 'For' stands on the coastline of Vik.

'Difficult to hide'

"On many occasions, Hull trawlermen were rescued by local people in Vik when vessels ran aground in shallow water and given food and shelter until the ships were towed to safety," Mr Inglis said.

"But sometimes sailors did not make it and the significance of the two corresponding statues are held dear by people in Hull and Iceland alike."

He noted that a statue of that size would be difficult to hide and called on the public to contact police if they had any information about the theft.

CCTV footage suggests the statue was stolen between 2300 BST and midnight on Sunday night.