Man detained over damage to Eric Morecambe statue

All that remains of the statue is a foot

A man has been detained under the Mental Health Act after an attempt to steal the statue of comedian Eric Morecambe by sawing it off at the leg.

Police said someone tried to saw through one of the legs of the statue on Marine Road Central, Morecambe, at about midday on Saturday.

The council removed the statue and the area has been fenced off.

Police said a 32-year-old man from Morecambe was arrested has been taken to hospital.

The statue of the much-loved comedian was unveiled by the Queen in 1999.

Morecambe died on 28 May 1984, after collapsing on stage with a heart attack shortly after his 58th birthday.

The statue is situated on Morecambe seafront