Statue worth £19,000 stolen from Badminton Horse Trials - police investigating

It was taken from a trade stand overnight Credit: Avon and Somerset Police

A statue worth £19,000 has been stolen from a stand at Badminton Horse Trials.

Avon and Somerset Police are appealing for information after a bronze statue of a hare was taken overnight.

The statue, which is on a hamstone base and measures 135cm in height, was made by Somerset artist Jan Sweeny.

PC Matt Leigh said: “Being bronze, the statue weighs a considerable amount and so it’s likely more than one person was involved in removing it from the trade stand it was on display at.

Badminton Horse Trials returns to South Gloucestershire – all you need to know

'Rainbow Street' in Gloucester to become 'Rainbow Square'

“We’re keen to hear from anyone who may have seen it being removed or transported and are also asking those at Badminton today to keep an eye out for it.

“If you have information which could help us recover the statue and find those responsible for the theft, please contact us.”

The Badminton Horse Trials has returned to South Gloucestershire for the first time since 2019.

The five-day event is running from May 4 to May 8 and sees top-level competitions held at Badminton House.