A one-off bench with horse and dog carvings has been cut from its setting in a Cambridgeshire village and taken by thieves.
The wooden seat has been much-loved by locals and visitors since it was first created by artist Kimberly Victors Hone of Alaska Wildwood, who was a resident of the village at the time.
The bench showcases an intricately carved horse head, above tumbling flowers. Two carved dogs also feature on the wooden seat, one beneath the horse and another sat on the opposite side of the bench.
The seat was positioned in the village of Marholm near Peterborough, but earlier this week villagers noticed it was missing and alerted police.
“We are absolutely devastated as a village, this bench was a proud landmark that attracted local visitors, it was a treasured and much loved bench and was carved by the very talented Artist Kimberly Victors Hone,” said Marholm resident Michelle Plant.
“Kimberly is a chainsaw wood carver from Alaska, she lived in Marholm for several years and gifted the bench to the village so it has a personal connection to many of the villagers who remember her living here too.”
Cambridgeshire Constabulary is appealing for information about the bench, which was located on the corner of Stamford Road and Water End in Marholm near Peterborough and was taken some time overnight between 13 and 14 January.
“A crime has been raised, and an investigation is underway, anyone with information should contact us online or via 101 quoting 35/3427/26,” a police spokesman told Your Horse.
