A 20-year-old man has been arrested after one of the Lincoln Imp sculptures had its head removed in the early hours of 21 July.
Officers found the damaged sculpture on Guildhall Street near to the Stone Bow in Lincoln during patrols of the city centre, and worked with the CCTV team at the City of Lincoln Council to trace the suspect back to his hotel.
He has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage. The incident happened at around 4.15am.
This particular imp, The Community Imp, was designed by a local school child from Gonerby Hill Foot Church of England Primary School.
As charity partner for the Lincoln Imp Trail, the vandalism will impact St Barnabas Hospice financially, particularly whilst the imp is removed from the Trail for repairs. Each imp is a donation point, meaning supporters can scan a QR code and give to the Hospice as they complete the Trail.
Sergeant Paul Mayo said: “The Big Sculpture Trail is organised by Lincoln BIG as a fun and
family-oriented activity for everyone to enjoy over the summer and is a huge draw for the city.
“It is not only really disappointing for everyone hoping to enjoy the trail that one if its attractions aimed at celebrating art and culture has been marred by this act of criminal damage, it is also absolutely unacceptable. Whenever we have an issue with criminal damage, we will do everything in our power to find those responsible and prosecute them.”
Chris Wheway, Chief Executive at St Barnabas Hospice, said: “I am shocked to see the vandalism of the Community Imp in Lincoln city centre. This is disappointing for the child who has designed it, the artist (Sian Bristow) and Trail organisers (Lincoln BIG). We hope the damage made to this imp can be repaired, as in these difficult times we are reliant on this vital fundraising.”
