When the model of a washerwoman disappeared from her village, most people in Rottingdean thought it was a prank.

But now they are wondering whether the disappearance might not instead be a straightforward theft.

If the life-size figure does not reappear in time for the opening of a restoration project on Saturday, they will think the thief is a wicked sud.

And if he turns up later saying it was just a jape, that excuse, like the missing model, will not wash.