POLICE have appealed for help to trace thieves who stole a heavy bronze horse sculpture from a garden in Lymington.

Officers believe that two or more people were involved in the theft from a rural property in South Baddesley Road, Lymington.

And they have revealed that the sculpture has sentimental value to the owner.

The thieves gained access via a fence between midnight last night and 6.30am today.

They are urging people to come forward if they were in the area at the time, have seen the sculpture or been offered it online.

Anyone with information is asked to call Hampshire Constabulary on 101, quoting 44210079642, or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.