A 6FT TALL bronze sculpture of a peacock made by a world renowned artist has been stolen from a country garden in Hampshire, sparking fears that it will be melted down for scrap.

Thieves took the statue, made by Geoffrey Dashwood and weighing more than 25 stone, from the back garden of a cottage without leaving a single trace that they had been there.

One of 12, the stunning masterpiece is worth £45,000 and took months to create and perfect.

The statue was originally delivered to the garden in the New Forest by a lorry and then lowered into place by a crane because it weighed so much.

Sculptor Mr Dashwood has pieces all around the world including some in The Royal Collection, which is owned by The Queen.

As a master sculptor, he has perfected his trade for over 50 years and is highly regarded by critics.

Mr Dashwood said today: “They will most likely cut it up for scrap metal - the thieves probably have no idea what they have stolen.

“I think it is a scrap metal theft as it is extremely difficult to sell something of this nature unless you know the right people.

“Even then they would have a job selling it because it’s too unique to sell it to just anybody, unless this was a targeted heist by a collector.

“It’s extremely heavy and would take at least three men to carry it.

“They have probably taken an angle grinder to it, cut it into pieces and sold it for only a few hundred pounds, a fraction of its worth.

“This isn’t the first time my work has been stolen. It must have happened a dozen times before.

“People will always find a way of stealing things - some people will walk into a gallery and create a distraction while others make off with items.”

The piece had been with lifelong friends of the artist for over eight years.

The victims of the theft, a couple from Wood Green, Fordingbridge, have asked to remain anonymous.

The wife said: “It has left me extremely upset, distraught and hurt. I loved that piece so much.“I came down in the morning and looked out of the window and it was gone and nobody can understand how it was taken without leaving behind any trail.“Nothing was moved apart from the statue, it was like nothing had ever happened, we couldn’t believe that it had just disappeared over night.“I’m absolutely devastated as I have had it for over eight years and it holds lots of sentimental value to me. It was my favourite piece.

“Something so precious has been stolen from me and I am heartbroken.

“We have put lots of posters about and told everyone we know; you just think someone might have seen something.

“If the thieves put this much effort into a real job we would all be much happier.

“It’s horrible, they make a living off other people’s discomfort.”