Sculptures of Gorbals Boys playing in high heels 'stolen'

Two out of the three Gorbals Boys statues have been reported stolen

Bronze sculptures depicting boys playing in high heels in Glasgow have been reported stolen.

Two out of the three Gorbals Boys statues have gone missing from the corner of Cumberland Street and Queen Elizabeth Gardens.

The sculptures, based on a well-known photograph by Scottish-Italian photographer Oscar Marzaroli, appear to have been cut at the legs and removed.

Police Scotland said it was investigating the incident.

The statues appear to have been cut at the legs

The Gorbals Boys, created by local artist Liz Peden, took inspiration from an iconic picture by Italian-born Scottish photographer Oscar Marzaroli taken in the Gorbals in 1963.

The £40,000 artwork was unveiled by then Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon in 2008.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Around 11:25 on Monday officers received a report of the theft of a sculpture from Cumberland Street, Glasgow.

"Inquiries are ongoing."

The piece of public artwork is based on a photograph by Oscar Marzaroli

The sculpture was commissioned by an arts programme as part of the regeneration of Queen Elizabeth Square.

It was funded by through a scheme with contributions from seven private housing developers and Scottish Enterprise Glasgow.

A spokesperson from New Gorbals Housing Association said: "The theft of the Gorbals Boys sculptures is very upsetting.

"They are much loved locally and we are hopeful that they can be returned to the community."