"Irreplaceable" carved wooden 'horse and hounds' bench stolen from Peterborough village
Police are investigating the theft of an “irreplaceable” carved wooden bench from a village near Peterborough.
Residents in Marholm are said to be “devastated” by the loss of the intricately carved horse and hounds bench – created and gifted to the village by an award-winning American artist.
The bench was located on the corner of Stamford Road and Water End is believed to have been taken some time overnight between January 13 and 14. It was discovered missing by a local family at 10.30am on Wednesday.
Installed in October 2021, it was donated to the village by Alaskan artist Kimberley Hone – who lived in Marholm for three years.
"It is our pride and joy - and villagers here are just devastated it has been taken,” said Sue Welch, chair of Marholm parish council.
"It represented the village as there are so many horses and dogs here – and is irreplaceable.
“There must be hundreds of people who have enjoyed taking pictures with that bench over the last few years – I’m really hoping we are able to get it back.”
Former resident Lydia Elliott added: “This bench was lovingly carved by an award winning artist who lived in the village for a short time. She created and donated this bench to Marholm Village Parish to show her love and appreciation to her neighbours for making her so welcome. She is an award-winning artist and created the piece, which took many months. It was carved with the aid of a power saw using timber donated by the Milton Estate.”
A spokesperson for Cambridgeshire Police said: “We received a report of the theft of the bench in Marholm overnight between 13 and 14 January. A crime has been raised, and an investigation is underway. Anyone with information should contact us online or via 101 quoting 35/3427/26.”