A POPULAR hare has been destroyed by vandals.

Maurice, who was based at the Market Place in Fairford and was found in pieces earlier this morning.

The hare featured prominently in last years Cotswold Hare Trail and was due to be part of this year's hare trail which begins tomorrow (May, 22) and runs to September 9.

Maurice was sold for £480 at an auction last year but was bought back by a businemann and was returned to the town.

A Fairford Town Council spokesperson said: "Just before midnight on Monday 21st May, Maurice the Hare was deliberately destroyed by a car driver.

"The Town Council is enraged that anyone would be so disrespectful to such a loved icon in Fairford.

"Maurice was dedicated to our very own Maurice Jones, former Councillor and Town Crier. We are doing everything we can to track down the culprit and would urge anyone with CCTV along the Quenington/Fairford Road, Fowlers Hill and Netherton to get in touch.

"We can only assume that the car involved would have sustained some damage at the front, and so ask that if anyone notices anything suspicious to please contact the Town Council. The whole town, but especially Maurice’s family and Les Webb, who owns the hare, are saddened by this wilful and mindless act of vandalism."