In a bizarre turn of events, a cherished statue of Thomas the Tank Engine has been stolen from a park in Bristol, sparking confusion and outrage among local residents.
The 6ft fibreglass model, which had been a fixture at the park for years, disappeared overnight in what appears to be a carefully planned heist. Police are treating the incident as theft and have launched an investigation.
Community in Shock
Local parents expressed their dismay at the loss of the popular children's attraction. "It's heartbreaking for the kids," said one mother who regularly visited the park with her toddler. "Thomas was part of our community - who would do something like this?"
Police Investigation Underway
Avon and Somerset Police confirmed they are examining CCTV footage from the area and appealing for witnesses. A spokesperson stated: "This appears to be a deliberate act of theft. We're following several lines of enquiry."
The theft follows a similar incident in Brighton last year, where another Thomas statue was stolen before being mysteriously returned weeks later.
Possible Motives Remain Unclear
Authorities are puzzled by the motive behind the theft. Theories circulating among locals range from a prank gone wrong to a potential collector's item theft. The statue's considerable size suggests multiple people may have been involved in its removal.
Park officials have vowed to replace the statue if it isn't recovered, but for now, children visiting the park are left with an empty plinth where their favourite character once stood.
