THIEVES have abducted a ‘homeless’ scarecrow – leaving only one of his feet behind.

Deacon Helen Coleman from Padgate Methodist Church created the scarecrow with her family as part of the Scatter a Scarecrow Week, which is currently being held in Padgate and Woolston.

Hordes of scarecrows are descending on the area this week as part of the inaugural festival, organised by Padgate Community Garden.

The Padgate Lane church’s scarecrow was put on display at midday on Saturday, but was stolen within a day.

Deacon Helen said: “We chose to make a homeless person to highlight the plight of so many who find themselves living on the streets.

“We placed him out on Saturday at lunchtime, and when we went out on Sunday at 8am he was gone – all that was left was one shoe.

“Had he hopped off? Was a home found for him? Where did he go? Who took him?

“We are saddened and disappointed that something that was made for a community event has been stolen, but hope that others will enjoy the remaining scarecrows that are scattered across the Padgate and Woolston area.”

The Scatter a Scarecrow Week will be brought to a close with a Mad Hatter’s tea party-themed picnic on Padgate Community Garden, at the junction of Padgate Lane and Brookland Street, from 12pm to 3.30pm on Saturday.