Colchester couple's Futurama model headless after attack

Nic Howe, 46, and husband John, 62, live on a barge at the Hythe, in Colchester, where their sculpture of Futurama’s Bender has proudly stood for seven years.

During the early hours of Sunday morning, however, the large fixture, which doubles-up as a firepit and is considered “a bit of a celebrity”, was mindlessly targeted.  

According to Nic, three young men with their faces covered pulled-up in a what is believed to have been a Fiesta at roughly 1am, before racing towards the 5ft-tall Bender.

The metal creation is positioned on a board on the edge of the quay and attached by a steel hawser to a metal ladder, which itself is fixed to the quay.

After failing in their attempt to push him fully into the water, the cowardly crooks eventually made-off with his heavy head, after it became removed from its body.

“I heard some noises during the night, but it was not until about 3pm on Sunday we realised what had happened because we were having a lazy day,” said Nic.

“We went and looked at the CCTV and saw three herbets had showed up under cover of darkness - we all did things when we were kids but we were mad as hell.

“We think they pre-planned it. I don’t think very highly of them, but I might do if they could just bring the head back to us.”

Couple - John and Nic Rowe (Image: Newsquest)

The sculpture, which someone once offered to buy for £1,000, was created using gas bottles by scooter engineer John when he was recovering from an accident.

Due to his ability to burn coals inside his belly, Bender has made appearances at a whole host of charity functions and scooter races.

Nic added: “He has been around for a long time now and he puts a smile on a lot of people’s faces, people always stop to take pictures with him.

“Children love him and everyone just thinks he is brilliant. It’s heart-warming. Anyone who is a Futurama fan recognises him, and he is a good landmark for couriers.

“We miss him and would just like to get him back.”

Essex Police bosses have now said their investigation into the theft has been "filed pending further investigative opportunities becoming available."