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Search for owner of 'stolen' guardian lion statues

Avon and Somerset Police The two statues, pictures at the site. They are quite large, and are both of highly stylised lions covered with ornate carved and painted patterns. They are both sat on matching platforms, and have been found on an area of cracked concrete amongst high-grown weeds. Avon and Somerset Police
The two distinctive ornamental statues are believed to have been stolen

Police are searching for the owners of what they believe are stolen Chinese guardian lion statues.

The pair of distinctive sculptures were found after Avon and Somerset Police received a report of suspicious behaviour at a former plant nursery in Bitton, South Gloucestershire.

Officers attended the property off Brewery Hill at around 12:30 BST on 24 October after being called about men on the roof of a metal structure.

Two men at the site claimed they had permission of the owner and gave their details to police.

However, while checking the rest of the site, officers found what police described as "a quantity" of horse tack, including blankets and helmets, which were identified as being stolen property.

Avon and Somerset Police said these items had already been returned to their rightful owners, but were still looking for the owner of the ornamental statues which were suspected to have been stolen.

Anyone with information about suspicious activity at the site, or who recognised the statues, has been asked to contact the force.

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