Police Urge Witnesses to Donkey Vandalism to Come Forward

POLICE are asking people who witnessed any of the vandal attacks on donkey statues in Weston-super-Mare to come forward.

Resin donkeys, each with colouful artwork, had gone on display in the resort.

However, following mindless attacks, which saw one donkey stolen and dumped with its legs rpped off, a decision was made to remove them from the streets.

Now the police want people to come forward with information.

Chief Inspector Jeff Foreman said: "Police have not received any reports regarding the vandalism of donkey figures in Weston-super-Mare, however such mindless acts of vandalism will not be tolerated in North Somerset and we would ask anyone with information to call us on 0845 456 7000."

The donkeys are being returned to the individual sponsors, who paid £500 for the donkey to be hand painted and for the plinth in which it stood.

They will then be displayed on each of the businesses premises instead.

The initiative was organised by North Somerset Council and the Grand Pier owners to mark the 200th anniversary of tourism in the resort and the opening of the new £51 million pier pavilion.

The idea followed a similar arts initiative in Bath where there was a collection of colourful hand-made pigs put around the town.

The donkeys will be auctioned off in November with proceeds going to two local charities.

One donkey will be raffled off, with tickets going on sale locally, to give residents and visitors the chance to own one of them.

Anyone with information about the vandal attacks can contact police on 0845 4567000.