THE owner of an unusual statue which was taken from a back garden is now desperate to see it returned.

James Reymond, of Langley Close, Dovercourt, said he was devastated to discover a 30kg Easter Island head he had affectionately named Boris had been stolen from his back garden.

Mr Reymond was woken in the early hours of Sunday as thieves made off with the 2ft tall black granite statue.

He said: “There was an almighty crash, which was presumably the lump of granite falling through next door’s fence, but they still managed to head off with it.

“It would have taken two people because it was very heavy, and you would have to be quite determined. When I opened the back door I could see a chap retreating out of my back garden.”

“It seems quite extraordinary, because we don’t know how they knew it was there.”

The man is described as being in his late teens or early 20s and of medium build. He also had short hair.

He was wearing a light-coloured tracksuit top, possibly with stripes down the sleeves.

It is thought the suspects could have escaped down an alleyway, which runs along the back of the Harwich and Dovercourt football ground.

Mr Reymond said he would like to see Boris, who was bought for about £150, reunited with his other Easter Head, Doris, as soon as possible.

He said: “He was part of a pair, and they are both quite unusual things, which we bought from a local auction a few years ago, and if it is just sitting in someone else’s back garden or if someone stole it for a Christmas present I would very much like it back.”

PC Trevor Abrahams, of Harwich police, said: “The thieves must be quite strong and probably live not very far away.

“Anyone with information about the incident, which happened between 12.30am and 2.45pm on Sunday, is asked to call Harwich police on 0300 333 4444.”