Charlie the gorilla statue stolen from vets in Midsomer Norton

Charlie the gorilla was made to mark Bristol Zoo's 175th birthday

A popular gorilla statue, nicknamed Charlie, has been stolen from outside a vets in Somerset.

It was situated in front of Silva House vets in Midsomer Norton and has become popular with customers.

Simon Webb, head vet at the practice said: "It's just really sad it's been stolen. We are known as the vets with the gorilla outside."

"I can't think what benefit someone would have from stealing it."

"The kids love him and always want selfies with the gorilla - I just hope we can find Charlie and get him home safe."

Charlie was one of the 60 gorilla statues commissioned by Bristol Zoo in 2011 and they were dotted across the city to celebrate the zoo's 175th birthday.

The public art display around Bristol was also to raise funds and awareness about the threats facing gorillas in the wild.

Charlie was originally part of the Bristol gorilla trail in 2011

The vets has appealed on social media for any sightings of the statue since it went missing on Thursday.

The statue went missing before several years ago but was returned to the vets a few days later.

It has been reported as stolen to Avon and Somerset Police because it was bolted to the ground on patio slabs.

The statue was bolted to patio slabs on the floor after being taken a few years ago

Mr Webb added: "If anyone knows anything about Charlie's whereabouts, please let us know.

"No questions will be asked, we'd just like him to be returned home."

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