A valuable bronze war memorial that stood for over 75 years in Stoke D'Abernon has been stolen.

The life-size bronze statue of a scout, was stolen between Wednesday evening and Friday night. Police believe it would fetch between £50,000 and £100,000 if melted down.

It was built to honour the many local scouts who gave their lives during the First World War and a plaque was later added to commemorate those lost in the Second World War.

The thieves cut off the statue at the ankles and it is believed they used a trolley to drag it from the site, off Blundel Lane, to a nearby access road.

It had only recently been restored and re-erected at a cost of £4,000 after another attempt to steal the statue in 2005 left it badly damaged.

Paul Francis, an assistant warden at the camp, said: "It's a sad indictment of the times when thieves can steal and melt down something so important.

"The first time someone tried to steal it we were devastated. We feared someone might try to do it again - we were right."

Mr Francis said the caretakers had tried to protect the memorial by reinforcing its base with iron supports when it was re-erected four months ago.

They were also in the process of fitting it with a radio alarm system.

He added: "Security is difficult. We did what we could but ultimately we're a 30 acre, secluded camp site."

He said he feared the chances of catching those responsible was slim, as the heavy rains over the weekend would have washed away any forensic evidence.

Police have urged any witnesses to come forward.

A spokesman said: "Obviously this is a very distinctive and valuable item that will be very difficult to conceal."

If you can help police, call PC Debbie Jozwiak on 0845 1252222.