Vandals destroy landmark giraffe statue

A landmark giraffe statue that towers over bushes from a private garden looking onto traffic has been destroyed.

The statue in Crowlas, near Penzance in Cornwall, has been at the spot for 10 years, since it was first made by Valerie Boakes and her late husband.

Boakes said she believed the incident took place at about 22:45 BST on Saturday.

She also said that since the vandalism she had contacted police and had been amazed by the love and support that she had received from the public.

"After a chance remark from a friend's young daughter about giraffes 11 years ago, I made the decision to create one to peep over my garden wall... just for fun", she said.

"It turns out that my giraffe has been bringing happiness and joy to so many.

"I'm honestly heartbroken at his demise. He was a labour of love and my late husband helped me by creating a sturdy base and finally positioning Julian in the corner of the garden... so obviously my creation held special and sentimental memories.

"I fear that Julian is beyond repair but, rest assured, I definitely intend to create a new giraffe."

She added that many people have asked her to set up a GoFundMe page, but she was not sure whether to actually do that.

"He will be costly to re-create both in monetary terms and in labour.

"Julian originally took me over three weeks to make and, of course, I'll have to pay someone to help erect him in place.

"Lets hope the culprits will be found soon."

Devon and Cornwall Police have been contacted to confirm the reporting of the incident.

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