Someone tried to steal the Eric Morecambe statue

A man is in custody after a suspected attempt to steal the statue of Eric Morecambe in his eponymous hometown.

Lancashire Police said someone apparently tried to cut through one of the statue's legs at around 12noon.

The statue of the legendary late comic has now been removed by local authorities, with the area on Marine Road Central cordoned off.

"We are in the early stages of our investigation and I would urge anyone who may have seen what happened or has any information to get in touch with police," said Sergeant John Bond.

• How the statue looked

A 32-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted theft.

Anyone with any information should contact police on 101, quoting log number 0325 of October 11.

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