A £9,000 bird bath has been stolen from a garden.

The solid bronze sculpture, called Noah’s Plate, was taken from the back garden of the property in Rotten Row, Lewes.

The 60 centimetres in diameter monument is circled by an intricate design of carved inter-linking animals, in a nod to the biblical tale and includes a snail, an octopus, a snake, a crocodile and a horse.

The owner has been away and believes it may have been stolen sometime between mid-February and the beginning of March.

Inspector Rob Lovell said: "This bronze sculpture is very distinct in style and of great sentimental value to the owner. We are really keen to trace the sculpture and return it to its rightful owner as soon as possible. I would encourage anyone who has information about its whereabouts or saw anything suspicious in the area at the time to get in contact with us."

Any witnesses or anyone with information is asked to email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or call 101, quoting 0943 of March 4.

Alternatively, call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.