Stolen Sarah Payne memorial statue is found

he bronze statue was presentend to Burhill County Primary School in memory of former student Sarah Payne Credit: Surrey Police

A stolen bronze statue honouring murdered schoolgirl Sarah Payne has been located, Surrey Police have said.

The 2ft statue, which was given to the school in memory of former pupil Payne who was murdered in 2000, was found in Cobham this morning about 24 hours after being taken.

Elmbridge Neighbourhood Sergeant Marc Nettleingham said:

The statue was found outside an address in Northfield Road, Cobham. It is believed that it was left outside the property between 5.15am and 7.30am.

Police earlier said the statue had been taken from Burhill County Primary School in Hersham at around 1am yesterday.

Three people are believed to have been involved in the theft. A van was also seen in the area around the time of the offence.

Read: Sarah Payne memorial statue stolen from school