Singing Christmas statue stolen from funeral home

Two men have been arrested after a nutcracker statue was stolen, according to police.

The 5ft (1.5m) Christmas figure, which sang to children on their way home from school, was taken from outside Luke Allum Funeral Directors in Sheerness, Kent.

"We always try to do things for the town at this time of year," said owner Luke Allum.

Schoolchildren "literally love it" when staff put on the singing statue on weekday afternoons, he added.

"They take pictures with it."

The statue, which stood on the funeral home's porch, made visits more welcoming for bereaved people, Kent Police said.

The force said the two arrested men, 59 and 39, were both from Sheerness.

Mr Allum said the statue was snatched when he and his colleagues were out at a funeral.

"You think 'why have you stolen a nutcracker, out of everything?'," Mr Allum said.

The business owner reported the incident to police and shared it on social media.

He was sent dozens of messages of support from the community who shared their upset at the news.

Mr Allum said he does not want money but would like to have the £250 statue returned.

"Trying to get a nutcracker now is impossible," he said.

Kent Police, which believes the figure was taken at 13:00 GMT on 5 December, is appealing for witnesses.

The force said it was hoping to return the item.

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