A young sculptor’s first public commission has been stolen just five days after it was put up.

The Denholme Buck, a copper and stainless steel figure of a young male roe deer, has been hacksawed from its stone plinth outside Denholme Mechanics’ Institute.

It was set up on February 27 by nineteen-year-old sculptor Craig Dyson, of Haworth, who spent four weeks making the life-sized statue.

Airedale and North Bradford police are hunting the thieves, who are believed to have struck overnight last Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Mr Dyson, an ex-Parkside School student, is appealing for the culprits to give it back.

“This is my first public sculpture. I have others in galleries, but this was my first public commission,” he said.

“I can’t believe anyone would do this. I’m very upset. The value is in the creativity not the materials – they’re worth very little.

“I’m hoping to stir their consciences and persuade them to return it. Being unique, they couldn’t display it anywhere, it would immediately be recognised.”

The sculpture was commissioned by Denholme Environment Group as part of a project to improve the local landscape.

A police spokesman said anyone with information about the sculpture’s disappearance should phone 0845 6060606.