Two 22-year-old men Daniel Heath and William Lawrence charged with criminal damage in connection with Paddington statue incident in Newbury

Two 22-year-old men have been charged with criminal damage in connection with the Paddington Bear statue incident in Newbury yesterday (Sunday).

Daniel Heath, of Oakhall Park, Thornton, West Yorkshire, and William Lawrence, of John Street, Enderby, Leicestershire, were both charged with one count of criminal damage today.

Heath and Lawrence were released on conditional bail to appear at Reading Magistrates’ Court on March 25.

The charges relate to criminal damage and theft of the Paddington Bear statue in Northbrook Street at around 2am on Sunday morning.

Speaking after the two men were arrested, investigating officer Inspector Alan Hawkett said: “The Paddington bear statue is a beloved part of Newbury so we have been doing everything we can to locate it and the offenders.

“I am delighted we have made two arrests and recovered the statue, which we will keep safe and support its restoration to its rightful place in Northbrook Street.

“In the meantime, Paddington is heading to Newbury police station for a much-needed marmalade sandwich.

“Thank you to everyone who has supported our investigation so far and shared their memories of the statue with us.”