Two men have been arrested after the shocking theft and vandalism of a beloved Paddington Bear statue, which was brutally sawed in half and stolen from its bench in Newbury, Berkshire. With the front-facing part of the statue missing, just the bear's outline was left behind.

Thames Valley Police swooped into action after the sculpture of the iconic sandwich-eating bear suffered damage and was stolen shortly after 2am on Sunday. The two men, both 22 and from Basingstoke, were arrested for theft and criminal damage and are now in police custody.

Officers were able to successfully retrieve the other half of the statue, which was unveiled just last October. 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.

“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 the meantime, Paddington is heading to Newbury police station for a much-needed marmalade sandwich.”

Lee Dillon, Liberal Democrat MP for Newbury, said in a post on X, formerly Twitter: “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 Facebook, 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."

Anyone with information about the theft and criminal damage has been told to call 101 or make a report online, quoting reference number 43250102626, or to contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.