Stolen statue returned by thieves

The sculptures were designed by local schoolchildren

Part of a sculpture stolen from a roundabout has been returned after thieves realised it was designed by children at a special school.

The three metal figures were created by pupils from Tor View Community Special School in Haslingden, Lancashire.

One of the figures had been stolen but the chairman of governors saw it had been returned when he drove past.

The thieves included £50 cash for repairs and an apology letter saying: "Don't worry we've looked after him".

The 7ft (2.1m) artwork - called The Workers - stands on the roundabout near Tesco in Haslingden.

Police now believe it may have been taken in a drunken prank.

Ch Insp Jeff Brown, of the Pennine division of Lancashire Police, said: "Whilst it may come as a relief to the local community that the statues have been returned, I would still condemn the behaviour of those responsible for removing it.

"The statue was the work of local youngsters who were no doubt extremely upset that it was damaged and removed.

"As far as we are concerned, we would still very much like to know exactly who was responsible and we would like to speak to them."