POLICE are mystified by the theft of an £18,000 bronze bust from the grounds of St Albans School.

In what police say was a calculated and well-executed overnight raid, thieves made off with the bolted-down bust of Sir Nicholas Bacon, a prime benefactor of the school.

The two foot high hollow statue weighing around four stone, was securely screwed onto a concrete plinth.

But determined raiders chiselled it free and its sheer weight has led police to suspect a gang is involved.

The theft, which occurred sometime between 6pm on Thursday, July 6, and 8.25am the next morning has stunned the Abbey Gateway school.

They are desperate to have it returned safely and have offered a £500 reward.

Mr Paul Henderson, second master at the school, said: 'The bust was commissioned by an old boy of the school who wanted to make a donation.

'Although it was insured for £18,000, it was worth much more to us because of his links to the school, but it is so distinctive that I can't understand why anyone would have taken it.'

The bust, produced by artist James Butler five years ago has been on permanent display at the edge of the headmaster's lawn by Abbey Gateway.

Although situated on open ground it is relatively hidden from prying eyes.

Mr Henderson said: 'It was not on general view from the street so whoever took it must have seen it while in the school grounds.'

Police are baffled by the theft, a spokesman said: 'It was very, very heavy and would have taken more than two people to carry it. But no one seems to have seen how it was moved.'

She added: 'We are now checking places where it could surface and would urge anyone who knows its whereabouts to contact us.'

Police would not comment on whether they thought the theft could be an end of term prank by pupils, but the spokesman said: 'If someone has stolen it and have then realised that they don't know what to do with it, they can call us in confidence.'

Anyone with information can call Mr Henderson at the school on 01727 855521or St Albans crime desk on 01707 354587.