York: Snooks sculptures temporarily removed after being vandalised

One of the two damaged Snook sculptures has cracks along the sides

Sculptures created for a charity art trail in York have been temporarily removed while "vandalism-induced damage" is repaired.

Make It York said they believed the two Snook sculptures had been "kicked, hit with force or climbed on".

It said it believed the damage happened in the late evening or overnight, describing it as "disheartening".

The sculptures were due to be auctioned off in support of St Leonard's Hospice and the York Creates Fund.

• Snooks sculpture trail to brighten city streets

A Make It York spokesperson said: "The vandalism-induced damage is deeply disheartening, and regrettably, this unfortunate incident adversely impacts everyone involved, including our valued charity partner St Leonard's Hospice, the Snook sponsor JORVIK Viking Centre, and sculpture artist.

"Make It York recognizes the disappointment and concern this incident may have caused, and is committed to rectifying the damage and ensuring the restoration of the sculptures to its former glory.

"We have taken immediate action by working with the production team, Norse Sky, in repairing the sculptures. As this will be off site, the sculptures will be temporarily removed,"

The damaged sculptures, which have been left with large cracks down the sides, were located in Coppergate Centre and Parliament Street in York.

Each character in the trail, which was launched at the start of March, is sponsored by a businesses or organisation based in the city.

The Snooks were created by illustrator and mural artist Sian Ellis, who is Sheffield-based and has worked on many charity sculpture trails across the UK.