A NUTCRACKER statue has gone missing in Salisbury.

Carol the nutcracker disappeared Monday night (December 3) from St John Street, and a 'Missing' poster has been put in his place near the Mercure White Hart Hotel.

The festive figure was put in place last week as part of a Christmas trail, organised by Salisbury BID, where families could look out for ten nutcrackers around the city and collect their names.

Salisbury Journal:

A Facebook appeal has been launched by the BID that reads: "MISSING NUTCRACKER

"This nutcracker’s friends don't know who you are. They don't know what you want. If you are looking for ransom I can tell you they don't have money, but what they do have are a very particular set of skills. Skills they have acquired over a very long career of being a nutcracker. Skills that make them a nightmare for people like you. You have 24 hours to return Carol or the other nutcrackers will find you!"

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BID chief executive, Robin McGowan said: “This is a family-friendly festive trail designed to provide lots of free fun for children while attracting visitors into the city centre.

“It’s a shame that the actions of one or two inconsiderate individuals risk spoiling that fun and we urge anyone with information on the whereabouts of the nutcracker to come forward to the BID or the police so he can be returned.”

If anyone has any information or knows the whereabouts of Carol, contact the BID on 01722 658000.