The mystery behind the disappearance of a Tracey Emin artwork has been solved after reports it had been stolen.

People feared the bronze statue of a tiny hat, which is part of Tracey Emin’s ‘Baby Things’ installation in Folkestone had been cut off and taken after it disappeared from its bench in Sandgate Road.

The artwork is one of seven pieces that the Margate artist placed around Folkestone in 2008 as part of the town’s first triennial exhibition to highlight the town's high teenage pregnancy rate.

But art charity Creative Folkestons says the item has just been temporarily moved as the bench it sits on is set to be removed as part of town centre improvements.

Debunking the rumours, Creative Folkestone said: “There have been some recent reports that one of Tracey Emin’s ‘Baby Things’ has been cut off and stolen from its location on Sandgate Road.

“Fear not, the artwork has been carefully removed by the Creative Folkestone team as the bench it is situated on will be removed as part of the Levelling Up, Folkestone A Brighter Future town centre improvements.

“We appreciate all the concern, but the artwork is safe and sound with us.”

Other pieces of baby clothes – including a mitten, a shawl, a sock, and a bootie – can be found tucked underneath benches, hanging from railings and lying by a kerb giving the impression of forlorn and dejected

A tiny bronze teddy bear is placed under a bench on the platform at Folkestone Centre station.

A white matinee jacket is hung over railings overlooking the harbour.