Mystery of stolen Chinese lion statues found at old South Gloucestershire plant nursery

Police are searching for the rightful owners of two stolen lion statues which have been recovered at a former plant nursery in South Gloucestershire. A number of suspected stolen items were found at the property near Brewery Hill, Bitton, on Thursday, October 24, when police officers searched the premises.

Officers were called at around 12.30pm last Thursday after it was reported that men were of the roof of a metal structure. Two men claimed to have the permission of the site owner and police took their details for further enquiries.

On searching the site, officers found horse equipment, including blankets and helmets, which was identified as stolen. These items have been returned to their owners already. A pair of what police believe at Chinese guardian lion statues were also found and are also believed to have been stolen.

Avon and Somerset Police are appealing for information about suspicious activity on the site, as well as the owners of the statues.

The force said in a statement: "Thanks to a report of suspicious behaviour at a former plant nursery in Bitton, South Gloucestershire, last week, we've recovered suspected stolen items.

"Officers went to the property off Brewery Hill at about 12.30pm on Thursday 24 October, following a call about men on the roof of a metal structure. Two men claimed to have the permission of the owner and officers took their details to make further enquiries.

"After checking the rest of the site, officers found a quantity of horse tack, including blankets and helmets, which were quickly identified as being stolen property. They have already been returned to the rightful owners.

"Officers also found a pair of what we think are Chinese guardian lion statues, pictured, which we also suspect may have been stolen. Anyone with information about suspicious activity at the site, or who recognises the statues, is asked to call 101 and give the reference 5224280618."