Two men have been arrested after a newly installed statue was cut in half and stolen from its perch on a bench.

The statue of the beloved fictional bear, which had only been unveiled last October, was damaged and part of it stolen in the early hours of Sunday morning, according to . Paddington's remains left an outline on the bench in Newbury, Berkshire, where the children's character had once sat.

The arrested men, both 22 and from Basingstoke, are currently in custody facing charges of theft and The stolen piece of the statue has also been retrieved by the officers.

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Investigating officer inspector Alan Hawkett said: "The Paddington Bear statue is a beloved part of Newbury so we have been doing everything we can to locate it and the offenders."

He added, "I am delighted we have made two arrests and recovered the statue, which we will keep safe and support its restoration to its rightful place in Northbrook Street."

In a lighter note, the officer quipped, "In the meantime, Paddington is heading to Newbury police station for a much-needed marmalade sandwich."

Local Liberal Democrat MP Lee Dillon, shared his dismay on X: "Heartbreaking to see that Paddington in Newbury has been vandalised. He brings so much joy to our community.

"Just yesterday, I stopped to take a photo of him with my family. This senseless damage is so disappointing."

People in the area have been celebrating the return of the beloved bear following the police's update.

Responding on the police's update on , one resident wrote: "Thank you TVP for doing your upmost in what has been very heartbreaking for so many Newbury residents - glad to hear it wasn’t overlooked as a petty crime ….it has incensed so many."

Another said: "My 5 year old son’s been asking me for updates since afternoon and was really sad that it was gone . He will be thrilled to hear this in the morning . Thank you."

A third added: "Best befitting punishment would be local community service dressed as Paddington Bear."

The authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward and contact them or reach out to Crimestoppers anonymously.