Police are investigating after a County Durham bench which has been part of its community's heritage for decades was stolen.

Known as the 'horseshoe seat', the bench has been a landmark in Ebchester, County Durham, since its installation over 25 years ago.

The seat on Chare Bank, made by an Ebchester family, was stolen at an unknown time suspected to be between September 11 and September 12, according to Consett Police.

Police say that a calculated effort was made to grind the seat away from its concrete foundation. 

A spokesperson for Durham Constabulary said: "The disappearance of this seat is a disheartening event for the community. 

"The seat has long served as resting point on an unforgiving bank but also represents shared history and memories.

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"It is unfortunate when a piece of local heritage is stolen, disrupting the sense of community pride that such landmarks foster. 

"Its absence is likely to be keenly felt by members of the community, which is why Durham Constabulary is petitioning for anyone with any information which assist us in our enquires to contact Consett Police."

One member of the public, responding to a post on Consett Police's Facebook, said: "It's a lovely piece of art. I hope it can be recovered."

Another commenter on social media, Tracey Clough, said: "What a shame. I look out for this chair every time pass, as I think of all the hours and care someone took to make it."

Police are asking anyone who has information about the seat's theft to ring 101 and quote Crime reference number: CRI00569313.