Vandals wanted for decapitating Peppa Pig hedge sculpture

Police are investigating after the popular hedge sculpture was found with its head hacked off with a saw between August 13 and 15.

It has left its owners and local residents "devastated."

Laura Hinton said the Peppa Pig figure had become a well-known local landmark and had required years of dedicated care.

Her family, who created and maintained the topiary near Newton Purcell on the route towards Bicester, Oxon, said the damage across four separate stumps appeared to have been deliberate.

She said: "It has taken years to grow.

"This was distressing not only because of the nature of the vandalism but also the time, effort and dedication topiary takes.

"Peppa was loved by the locals and by visitors alike. The head they cut off was not left at the scene.

"They must have taken it with them. They must have also brought their own saw.

"This was a targeted act of vandalism that also suggests a level of concern for personal safety, as someone was around the property with a saw!"

Thames Valley Police is appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

A spokesperson said: "We have received a report of criminal damage on Buckingham Road, Newton Purcell, as you have described below.

"We would ask anyone with information, dash-cam or CCTV footage to contact the force on 101 or by making a report via our website quoting reference 43260423720."