A heavy bronze statue of a boxing hare worth £19,000 has been stolen from a trade stand.

The work was on display at the Badminton Horse Trials – the seat of the Duke of Beaufort.

The hare was made by Somerset artist Jan Sweeny.

Pc Matt Leigh said:

“Being bronze, the statue weighs a considerable amount, so it’s likely more than one person was involved in removing it from the trade stand.

“We’re keen to hear from anyone who may have seen it being removed or transported and are also asking those at Badminton today to keep an eye out for it.”