Sarah Payne memorial statue stolen from school

Thieves have stolen a bronze statue given to a school in memory of former pupil Sarah Payne, who was murdered in 2000.

The 2ft statue is believed to have been taken around 1am from Burhill County Primary School in Hersham.

Surrey Police believe three people were involved in the theft. A van was also seen in the area around the time of the offence.

Sergeant Marc Nettleingham said: "We are carrying out a number of enquiries to identify the offenders responsible for this theft, which is particularly reprehensible given that it was presented to the school in memory of Sarah Payne.

"I am appealing to anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area at the time of the offence, or with any other information, to come forward straightaway.”

Dr Sara Payne, Sarah's mother, begged for the statue to be returned safely.

She said: "I implore the public to help me and the police bring my Sarah's memorial statue back where it belongs."