Police are appealing for information after a popular wooden statue of Donkey from Shrek was stolen.

The clever carving made by Ian Andrews was removed from the front of Bruks Tree Surgery in Shottendane Road in Birchington overnight on Friday.

At 5ft tall and weighing at least half a tonne, owners Bruk and Rebecca Botha say a special vehicle must have been used to remove it.

They have joined officers in appealing for information via their Facebook page.

The post which warns people not to buy it if approached has already been shared more than 1, 500 times.

Mrs Botha told KentOnline: "We're very disappointed that this sort of thing has happened in our community but we're delighted to have had so much support.

"It's bizarre. It's very heavy.

"Because of the weight of it, they would have had to have had some kind of special vehicle."

The tree surgery business which also makes sentimental trees into benches and carvings has recently started displaying their works at the front of the premises.

Other creations have included the Gruffalo and Percy the Park Keeper.

Mr Botha said: "Everybody comments on them and they sell very quickly, especially this one as it was of such a likeable character."

The carving had already been sold for £400 plus VAT with the buyer arriving to pay the final part of her deposit the morning after it disappeared, only to be told the unfortunate news.

Police would like to hear from anyone with information.

A spokesman said: "We has received a report that a wooden donkey statue was taken from outside a property in Shottendane Road, Birchington.

"It is believed the 5ft statue was taken between 7pm on Friday, October 19 and 7am on Saturday, October 20.

"Anyone with information should call Kent Police on 01843 222289 quoting reference ZY/062656/18."