An eagle sculpture in Ramsgate has had its head removed and right wing damaged by vandals.

The carving, made from a dead tree stump, was only completed by Steve Andrews eight days before it was targeted. The attack is believed to have occurred between 3am and 4am on Saturday.

Mr Andrews is set to return to work on the sculpture tomorrow.

He said: “It is a real shame because the Friends of Ellington Park are putting so much effort into making the park attractive.

“My work is there to promote the enjoyment, nature and life of the park and it is sad to see that undone.

“I’m going to see the eagle tomorrow and I've offered to replace it for free. I plan to take the top off and replace it with another piece of wood and bolt it in.

“I was always dubious about the style of the sculpture, it is a fragile design for the environment it’s in.”

Friends of Ellington Park chairman Beverley Perkins said: “The eagle was beautiful and this is particularly upsetting because it had only been finished a few days beforehand.

“Steve is very talented and his work has really enhanced the park’s landscape.

"But we would like the community to remain upbeat about the park’s regeneration prospects.”

The community group will continue to take steps to improve security.

She added: “We have applied to the Kent Police commissioner’s fund to help install solar-powered motion detector lighting.

“We are also looking for ways to fund CCTV and have submitted a heritage lottery fund bid to get high railings and gates so that it would be easier to close the park at night if necessary.”

Friends of Ellington Park are holding a grand opening for their wildlife garden and shop on April 11.