Life-sized plastic gorilla in swimming goggles stolen from Somerset pond

A manhunt has been launched after a beloved plastic gorilla was stolen from a pond in Somerset.

The hooded thief was caught on CCTV stealing the two-metre tall ape, who wears swimming goggles and is a bit of a landmark for local schoolchildren in Frome.

Its owner, Chris Moss, tried his best to keep the precious gorilla safe, installing security cameras and bolting it to the wall.

But the persistent crook picked up some bolt cutters after failing at first to rip it off with his hands.

Mr Moss said the gorilla was not expensive but it carried a lot of sentimental value for the community.

Ever since the dawn raid at 2am on March 6, people have knocked on the clock restorer’s door asking where it has gone.

He said: ‘They came in at about two in the morning under my gate.

‘I’d stuck the gorilla down securely, so they spent about six or seven minutes trying to wrench it off.

‘They gave up after that, went away, and came back with tools. Everyone liked it, it was a bit of a landmark.

‘I don’t think it was a random act of vandalism. The way they were doing it, they weren’t drunk. If they were, they’d have given up.’

Unfortunately, there have not yet been any sightings of the gorilla.

Mr Moss added: ‘Unfortunately I think it probably won’t turn up. I’m not sure what I’ll replace it with yet.

‘I was looking at a hippopotamus, but it’s a bit expensive.’

Avon and Somerset Constabulary urged anyone with information to contact them.

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