Vandals have removed the head of a large historic statue depicting a Kentish royal dynasty from a family park.

The sculpture depicting St Eanswythe in Folkestone was targeted late last week and is understood to have triggered a police investigation.

St Eanswythe was born in the seventh century and founded one of the first Christian monastic communities for women in the town’s historic Bayle area.

Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC) had the sculpture positioned to represent St Eanswythe watching over the playing field off Radnor Park Avenue in 2017.

But pictures have recently surfaced showing the piece is now missing its head.

Explaining a replacement bust can be reattached at taxpayers’ expense, FHDC has urged witnesses to come forward.

“We’re incredibly upset that such, let’s be honest, pointless vandalism has happened in one of our much-loved parks with Green Flag status,” they said.

“It is hoped a replacement can be arranged, but that takes time and costs taxpayers’ money.

“The matter has been reported to the police – please call 101 if you have any information.”

Residents have also hit out at the sabotage after pictures of the state of the statue were shared on Facebook.

“Oh No! That’s very sad indeed,” one resident commented.

Another said: “That is just terribly sad and a most awful, disrespectful and mindless thing to do. Just why?”

Others branded the act as “disgraceful” and “sickening”.

St Eanswyth was the daughter of Eadbald, who ruled as king of Kent from 616 to 640 and granddaughter of Ethelbert, the first English king to convert to Christianity under Augustine, making her part of the Kentish royal dynasty.

She is thought to have died in her late teens or early 20s - though currently the cause of her death is unknown.

In March 2020, human remains found in the wall of the Church of St Mary & St Eanswythe, in Church Street were confirmed as hers.

A spokesperson for the police said officers were contacted on Tuesday about the statue in Radnor Park, being damaged.

“The damage is believed to have occurred between Wednesday, June 19 and Friday, June 21,” they said.

“Local officers are aware of the incident and anyone with information is urged to call 01843 222289, quoting reference 46/104967/24.”