HAMPSHIRE police have been moaning about a lack of bobbies for months and this picture by Echo photographer John Luthwaite proves that the situation is gnome laughing matter.

But even with the reduction in height restrictions, they won't be able to get these wannabies behind the wheel of a panda car.

So instead of recruiting the gnome-less gang, police hope to reunite them with their owners.

The colourful characters were handed into police after they were found dumped at Ewart Court recreation ground, Hythe.

"We suspect they were taken from the gardens of some of the nearby retirement homes," said Hythe desk officer Brian Guest.

"They were probably kidnapped at the end of a boozy night out.

"We hope that someone will recognise them and come forward because social services have washed their hands off them," he joked.

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