Bronze hippo sculpture stolen from luxury show garden in Kent

Police believe three-quarter tonne object may have been taken by 'mechanical means'

A large cast bronze hippopotamus has been reported stolen from a garden ornament business near Tunbridge Wells, Kent (PA/ Kent Police)

An “extremely heavy” bronze hippopotamus has been stolen from a luxury garden ornament business in Kent, police said.

The two-metre long sculpture was taken from Chilstone, near Tunbridge Wells, between Wednesday evening and Thursday morning.

Kent Police believe that the three-quarter tonne hippopotamus may have been lifted onto the back of a truck by “mechanical means".

They appealed for witnesses who may have spotted the “hugely distinctive” sculpture, which requires the strength of five people to lift.

PC Nick Lingham said that the thieves would have needed a large vehicle and possibly a winch to steal the sculpture from the business' show gardens.

He added: "It is clear those responsible would have needed a large vehicle such as a flatbed truck and may have also needed to lift it by mechanical means.

"It is a hugely distinctive object and it is unlikely the offenders will find it that easy to sell on as scrap or to a collector.

"Because of its sheer size we are hoping people may have seen it being transported."

No other items were reported stolen during the raid on Chilstone show gardens, police said.

On its website, Chilstone is described as a maker of "bespoke" garden ornaments and lists Kensington Palace, Kew Gardens and the National Trust as customers.

Additional reporting by PA