LAUREL and Hardy fan Robert Kay found himself in a fine mess after prized statues of the famous comedy duo were stolen from his garden.

Robert, of Oaktree Ave, Leyland, says he placed the antique statues in his garden, just days after restoring one - which he bought at a local auction.

Three statues were stolen. One is of Laurel, one of Hardy and another is a wrought iron sculpture depicting the comical duo on a tandem penny farthing.

Robert, a massive fans of the slapstick comedy heroes, said: "I bought the bicycle at an auction and spent a lot of time restoring it to its original state and painting them the right colours before putting them in my garden.

"When I realised they had gone missing I was absolutely shattered. It seems so pointless because, although they are worth £150, they don't appear to be that valuable on sight."

It is the first time statues have been stolen from Robert's garden, which is home to a handful of bizarre monuments, including a cigar-smoking Cheshire cat.

The items were taken overnight on Friday, October 8. Anyone with any information is asked to call Leyland Police on 01772 433561.

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