The hunt is on for sweet-toothed thieves who stole a 7ft ice cream cone from outside a Westcliff fish and chip restaurant.

Police coned off the area while they looked for clues following the bizarre theft from Oldham's Fish Bar, in West Street.

However, if the crafty crooks were hoping for a tasty feast they will be disappointed - the huge cone is made of plastic.

Rod Oldham, who has run the restaurant for more than 30 years, said: "It was a lovely cone - whippy ice-cream topped off with a flake. Its been in the family for years and we really want it back.

"I suppose you could say that 'there's no place like cone'. We're hoping the police will give these crooks a good licking if they find them!"

A spokeswoman for Southend Police said: "We are on the lookout for a a 7ft ice cream cone with a flake. Anyone with information can contact us on 01702 431212."

Published Friday August 16, 2002

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