Iconic Eric Morecambe statue has leg sawn off during attempted theft

A suspect is currently being held in custody over the incident

A man has been arrested after attempting to steal a bronze statue of Eric Morecambe.

Police were called to Marine Road Central in Morecambe on Saturday at noon, following reports that the figurine had been vandalised.

Lancashire Constabulary said that it is thought that someone attempted to cut through one of the statue’s legs.

The statue has since been removed and the area fenced off. A 32-year-old man from Morcombe has been arrested on suspicion of attempted theft and is currently being held on custody.

Sgt John Bond said: “We are in the early stages of our investigation and I would urge anyone who may have seen what happened or has any information to get in touch with police on 101 quoting log number 0325 of 11th October.”

The monument was unveiled by the Queen, who was joined by the comedian’s widow and three children, in July 1999. It has become a popular tourist destination and shows Morecambe in his famous “Bring Me Sunshine” pose.

“I feel so sorry about it, most especially for its creator and then for Morecambe,” said his daughter, Gail Stuart.

“I know that at some point he will be back where he belongs but the seafront won’t feel quite the same until he is.”

Local football team Morecambe FC tweeted their disbelief that the figurine had been vandalised.

Gail, her mum Joan and brother Gary have made numerous visits to the statue over the years.

The statue took sculptor Graham Ibbeson six years to complete.

John Eric Bartholomew, he was born in Morecambe in 1926, and used the Lancashire seaside town as his stage name.

The comedian died on 28 May 1984, after collapsing on stage with a heart attack.