Hunt on for missing Larkin toad

The Magenta toad – one of 40 created in honour of the poet Philip Larkin – was reported missing on Saturday from an industrial estate at Melton, in East Yorkshire.

Thieves had apparently used a tool to separate the metre-high sculpture off its concrete base.

The incident is the latest to befall the sculptures – some of which were vandalised in Hull city centre.

Toads manager Clare Huby said they'd heard rumours that someone was going to take a toad as a joke. But she added: "This one has clearly been stolen. We haven't had a jokey ransom note."

Miss Huby said they'd been inundated with calls from people saying the sculpture – which is on a special "toad trail" – was missing.

She said: "We are obviously very disappointed someone has stolen the toad and that so many people will have their enjoyment curtailed."

Anyone with information about the theft can contact police on 0845 60 60 222.