County Durham village 'in mourning' after landmark horseshoe bench stolen two decades after being donated

A County Durham village is "in mourning" after a popular local landmark was reportedly stolen.

The Horseshoe Bench in Ebchester was donated to the village by a local family over two decades ago, and has become a prominent place for people to rest when walking up the steep Chare Bank. However, on September 12, local residents noticed that the bench had disappeared, with local police confirming that they were investigating a theft.

The bench appears to have been cut from its foundations, with pieces of metal still stuck in the ground where it previously stood.

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Local resident Janet Roddham told ChronicleLive that the entire village was in shock. She said: "I'm gutted, it's devastating, because it's been part of the village fro so long, nobody's bothered it.

"Everybody's sat on it over the years with their dogs or their children, and it's devastating that it's gone. The village is totally in mourning."

Durham Constabulary confirmed that they have launched an investigation into the possible theft of the horseshoe bench, and issued an appeal on social media. They 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. 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."

Durham Constabulary have urged anyone who has information to contact them on 101 quoting crime reference number CRI00569313.