Mission to replace dinosaurs after 'brutal' theft

A campaign has started to help replace two lifelike animatronic dinosaurs after the originals were stolen.

The two dinosaurs belonged to Tom Pruen - owner of the Bristol-based Raptor's World who rent the beasts out to entertain people at events across the country.

The pair, called Rexy and Yoshi, are worth between £5,000 and £10,000 each and were in the back of a van that was stolen from a hotel car park in Thurrock, Essex, on Sunday morning.

"The financial aspect is brutal - I'm a father-of-three and my kids have grown up knowing that dad takes out dinosaurs for a living and as funny as that sounds it's really hit my youngest hard," said Mr Pruen.

"My dinosaurs are very dear to me, they're like children to me and we attend so many events across the UK.

"My dinosaurs are my livelihood and my passion," he added.

Mr Pruen said the van was insured, but the lost contents represent half of his business.

Now, some friends have started a fundraising campaign looking to replace the stolen items.

"We're really hoping that people do donate small amounts – we don't expect anyone to go to the ends of the earth with it.

"Even if you don't donate and just share it we will be really grateful and hopefully we will get back on our feet."

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