'Missing Persons Appeal' Issued For Stolen Statue

Police in Limavady have issued a missing persons appeal for a stolen statue.

The statue of Manannán Mac Lir, a sea deity in Irish mythology, was stolen from its mount at Gortmore viewing point on Binevenagh Mountain.

On the PSNI Limavady Facebook page, the force said: "A well known six foot tall striking local male with an athletic build. He has shoulder length hair held back with a headband and has a beard. We have concerns for his health in this weather as he is bare chested with only a thin shawl held at the neck with a decorative clasp to keep his top half warm. Evidence at the scene suggests he has injuries to his feet!

"He is a very striking fella so if you have seen him please let us know.

"Last seen standing at Gortmore viewing point Binevenagh Mountain around the 21st January looking out to sea.

"Local police have searched the area and have completed an overflight to check he was not dumped in the area.

"On a serious note, this statue was a very popular tourist attraction in an area of outstanding natural beauty. It attracted thousands of visitors to our area. Why someone would do such a criminal act is beyond us. Pleas for his return has prompted much traffic on Facebook and he now has his own Facebook page, 'bring back Manannan Mac Lir'.

"Manannan has various links to this area including the Broighter Hoard.

"He was sculpted by Game of Thrones sculptor Darren John Sutton.

"So outraged are local people that local business man Aaron Mc Grotty has offered a reward for his return.

"If you have any information please contact police by phoning 101 or make contact with your local neighbourhood team via the PSNI app."

The sculptor who made the statue, John Sutton, believes it would have taken a number of people with angle grinders several hours to have removed the fibreglass and steel figure.

(MH/CD)