A bronze statue of Jesus Christ, cast nearly 100 years ago, was stolen from a war memorial in Wingfield over the weekend.

The 40” statue was first erected in 1917 and is believed to be worth around £10,000.

Police believe it was taken from its position at the Wingfield Crossroads, where the A366 crosses the B3109, overnight on Friday into Saturday (February 28– March 1). Three bronze bolts attaching the statue to a wooden cross were also taken.

PC Richard Gardner, from the Crime Management Unit in Melksham, who is investigating the theft said: “This isn’t simply the theft of valuable metal, this is the theft of something symbolic to a community.

“It remembers those who have paid the ultimate price to protect our way of life which is particularly poignant in this the 100th year of the commencement of hostilities."

PC Mark Hough, based at Trowbridge Police Station, said: “We are appealing for witnesses. This was on the junction of Wingfield crossroads and would have taken some time to remove.

“The local community and parish council are greatly distressed and are appealing for anyone with any information to get in touch.”

Anyone with any information can contact PC Gardner on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where information can be left anonymously if they wish.