CCTV footage is being sought at after a crocheted King Charles was stolen along with his crown in Astley Bridge.

Debbie Grimshaw spent weeks crocheting the mannequin of the King says she was ‘gutted’ when she first found out from ward councillor Cllr Hilary Fairclough.

She says that it looks as though someone has taken a “knife to the polystyrene and cut his neck” and has described it as “disrespectful” to the King.

A local resident has offered to share CCTV footage which Debbie hopes identifies those responsible.

Debbie said: “It’s so disrespectful to the King and disgusting.

“I have asked for CCTV, and I am waiting for the footage because it does cover where it was, and then we will see what we will do next.

“We will possibly take it up with police if they can be identified.

“Even though it’s crochet, it’s still theft.”

Cllr Fairclough said: “I am really shocked that someone could spoil something that has been created to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III.

“I believe it has been done by someone who is anti-royalist, because it would have been difficult to remove and so they have hacked at it until it came away.

“Everyone is entitled to their opinion but to damage a display that has brought such joy and pride to our area is shocking.

“Debbie spends hours making these beautiful and intricate toppers that really brighten people’s day. “Sadly, it casts doubt on whether we would continue to have displays on the site.

“We are appealing for information, and checking CCTV in the area so we are hopeful someone will be identified.”

Debbie feels especially sad because it was something she wanted to do as a gesture to the community, and says she thinks it is “just mindless”, given the amount of time and effort spent.

She said: “People must not care about the amount of time and effort that goes into it.

“I set up a little crochet club and we were talking about ideas for Christmas, but you do think what the point for us trying to make nice things, when in the blink of an eye your hard work is destroyed.”

The displays were only finished last weekend, with a coach and horse with King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla also on show.

The King and crown were stolen from the junction of Andrew Lane and Blackburn Road, and first noticed missing at 5am this morning.

It is not the first time that Debbie’s hard work has been stolen.

During the Royal Jubilee, a knitted topper for a post box was also stolen on Belmont Road in Astley Bridge.

If anyone has anymore information email debgrimshaw151@gmail.com.