Charity "shocked" at beheading of Imp statue

A 20-year-old man has been arrested after one of the Lincoln Imp sculptures had its head removed in the early hours of Wednesday morning (July 21).
By Rachel Armitage
Published 21st Jul 2021, 16:33 BST
Updated 22nd Jul 2021, 09:21 BST
Lincolnshire Police found the damaged Lincoln Imp sculpture on Guildhall Street near to the Stone Bow in LincolnLincolnshire Police found the damaged Lincoln Imp sculpture on Guildhall Street near to the Stone Bow in Lincoln
Lincolnshire Police found the damaged Lincoln Imp sculpture on Guildhall Street near to the Stone Bow in Lincoln

Lincolnshire Police found the damaged sculpture, designed from Gonerby Hill Foot Church of England Primary School for St Barnabas Hospice, on Guildhall Street near to the Stone Bow in Lincoln during patrols of the city centre, and the charity has expressed their shock and disappointment at the incident.

Police officers worked with the CCTV team at the City of Lincoln Council to trace the suspect back to his hotel. He has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and remains in police custody.

The incident happened at around 4.15am.

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Sergeant Paul Mayo said: “The Big Sculpture Trail is organised by Lincoln BIG as a fun and family-oriented activity for everyone to enjoy over the summer and is a huge draw for the city.

"It is not only really disappointing for everyone hoping to enjoy the trail that one if its attractions aimed at celebrating art and culture has been marred by this act of criminal damage, it is also absolutely unacceptable. Whenever we have an issue with criminal damage, we will do everything in our power to find those responsible and prosecute them.”

Chris Wheway, Chief Executive at St Barnabas, said, “I am shocked to see the vandalism of the Community Imp in Lincoln city centre. This is disappointing for the child who has designed it, the artist (Sian Bristow) and Trail organisers (Lincoln BIG). We hope the damage made to this imp can be repaired, as in these difficult times we are reliant on this vital fundraising.

“As the trail’s charity partner, any funds raised from the Trail will go directly to St Barnabas Hospice to support the people of Lincolnshire with life-limiting or terminal illnesses. We are hopeful that this will be a one-off incident and that people continue to give generously to help our vulnerable patients as they complete the Trail.”

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Anyone who was in the area and has any information is asked to contact Lincolnshire Police by clicking on the email link [email protected] or calling the non-emergency number 101, quoting incident number 53 of Wednesday July 21.