Replica Icelandic statue to be erected in Hull

The stolen statue was one of a pair and the other is located in Vik, Iceland

A replica seafarers' statue to replace a stolen bronze sculpture commemorating the links between Hull and Iceland is to be erected next month.

The 6ft (1.8m) high bronze sculpture, called Voyage, was taken from its plinth on Hull's pier by a gang of thieves in July.

Humberside Police is investigating the theft.

Hull City Council has spent £40,000 from its insurance reserves on the replacement statue.

'Delighted'

The replica has been casted in bronze by the original artist, Steinunn Thorarinsdottir, in Iceland. A mould was taken from its sister statue in the town of Vik.

A spokesperson from Hull City Council said: "We are delighted to confirm the statue has arrived in the UK and will be placed in its rightful place between 1 and 3 May.

"An official unveiling of the statue will take place week commencing 7 May and more details will follow at a later date."

The council said it has spent an additional £5,000 on extra security measures including CCTV cameras.

The original statue, a memorial to those who died at sea, was a gift from the fishing town of Vik and was erected in 2006.

It was believed to have been stolen for its scrap metal value, estimated to be between £1,200 and £1,800.

Two people were arrested in connection with the theft but later released without charge.