Police escort for Paddington statue dumped in park

A statue of Paddington bear that was targeted by vandals has been taken from his bench again, days after being reinstalled.

The sculpture of the children's character was temporarily removed from Southampton's Guildhall Square in April, when the bench it had been sitting on was destroyed, before being put back in place last week.

But in the early hours of Sunday, police were called to assist after it was reported missing.

Hampshire Constabulary said officers found Paddington abandoned but intact, in nearby East Park.

In a Facebook post, Southampton police said: "He was recovered safely and, as you can see, was given a police escort while arrangements were made for his return.

"Thankfully, he was found in one piece - and he certainly needed a marmalade sandwich after his ordeal.

"While we know Paddington is a much-loved character and this may raise a smile, damage to public property is a serious offence.

"The statue brings joy to residents, visitors, families and businesses in the city centre, and it is disappointing to see him targeted again so soon after recent repairs.

"Please look after Paddington. He is a bear of very good standing in our city."

The Paddington statue originally arrived in Southampton in 2024 as part of the UK-wide trail celebrating the release of the film Paddington in Peru.

It was originally placed outside Westquay shopping centre but later moved to Guildhall Square.

Go!Southampton, the Business Improvement District organisation for the city centre, is responsible for the 3ft 6in (1m) statue and had been looking after him in its offices while the bench was restored.