'Paddington will be back' say local businesses

A Paddington Bear statue that was damaged and taken from a bench could be restored to the site.

The front of the sculpture was cut away and removed from its seat in Northbrook Street, Newbury, Berkshire at about 02:00 GMT on Sunday, according to Thames Valley Police. It was later recovered.

Ashley Morris, vice chair of Newbury Business Improvement District (BID), said: "It's still very new... but we're absolutely talking to StudioCanal and Premier Comms about bringing him back and restoring him."

Two men have been charged with criminal damage.

Mr Norris said the statue had become "part of the town" since it was unveiled in October 2024.

"Everyone knows and loves Paddington," he added.

"We want him to carry on being here part of Newbury and that's what we're going to work towards."

The remains of the statue have been covered with a tent, with some people leaving sandwiches and jars of marmalade - Paddington's signature snack - outside.

Newbury was the home town of Paddington creator Michael Bond.

Newbury BID brought the statue to the town, in partnership with StudioCanal, as part of its national Paddington Visits trail.

It was one of 23 models celebrating the children's character placed across the UK last year ahead of the launch of the film Paddington in Peru.

Thames Valley Police said the statue was due to be handed back to the owners for its restoration.

The force said on Monday that Daniel Heath, 22, from Thornton, West Yorkshire, and William Lawrence, 22 from Enderby, Leicestershire, were both charged with one count of criminal damage in connection with the incident.

They were released on bail until 25 March.

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