A "beautiful" sculpture has been stolen from the borough park in a "thoughtless and selfish act of criminality".

A wooden owl which sat in Prestwich Clough was one of three sculptures commissioned in the locality as part of a Parklife festival grant.

The grant application was made by Clean Team Prestwich in collaboration with other community groups including Prestwich Environmental Forum, Friends of Prestwich Clough, and Friends of Warwick Street Green.

But group members have been left "dismayed" after the theft of the sculpture, which stood at 4.5ft tall and a further foot in the ground.

It is thought that whoever took the owl would have needed transport and some heavy-duty equipment, as it weighed around 70kg and would need to be moved with a van or lorry, as the artist used a sack-lift trolley to move it in May last year.

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Cllr Sean Thorpe said: "Everyone involved in the commissioning and upkeep of our precious green spaces and all residents who enjoy them daily will be dismayed at this thoughtless and selfish act of criminality.

“Prestwich has so many people willing to give up their time to care for our environment. This is a kick in the teeth for them.

“I appeal to anyone who has information that can help return this beautiful work of art that cheered up everyone who encountered it should let the police know, or contact me if they would prefer."

If you have any information contact police on 101 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.