A Paddington Bear statue has been targeted in Newtownards just weeks after being unveiled in the the town ahead of the beloved character’s return to the big screen.
It’s one of over 20 meticulously crafted statues which have been installed on benches across the UK as part of a Paddington Visits trail ahead of Paddington in Peru hitting cinemas next Friday, November 8.
Watch: Paddington bear visits Newtownards on special Paddington Visits tour
His arrival in Conway Square generated much excitement on October 11 with many locals posing for pics alongside the figurine of the fan favourite, which features his signature red hat, blue duffle coat, and, of course, a marmalade sandwich in paw.
But Carla Coleman, the store manager of Del Piero’s Urban which is located just a few yards away, noticed the iconic bear had been unseated when locking up the popular eatery on Thursday night.
“At around 10pm she noticed Paddington lying on the grass bank,” one worker told the Belfast Telegraph.
Paddington Bear statue targeted in Newtownards
“She tried to stick him back on his bench but the bolts we’re missing so she brought him in for the night.
“He was handed over to the council this morning and returned to his seat.
“All is well.”
However, staff did notice an anomaly after waving off the special guest.
“On further inspection of the café it was discovered that the marmalade was missing,” the employee joked.
The business has shared photos of its famous customer on its Facebook page and highlighted a tag on his coat which reads “please look after this bear, thank you”.
“Paddington seemed to be having a great time in Newtownards and then we found him lying in the square,” the caption said.
“He definitely needs looked after!”
Ards and North Down Mayor Alistair Cathcart joined Paddington Bear for a marmalade sandwich last month. Pic: Kirsten Elder
Actor Hugh Bonneville, who plays Mr Brown in the new film Paddington in Peru, previously said he was thrilled to see “our beloved bear” popping up in towns and cities across the UK from Liverpool to Land’s End and Birmingham to Bury St Edmunds – and of course, London Paddington.
“Ahead of the new film, fans, families and friends can sit down and have a chat with the marmalade loving bear, so watch this space for more information about Paddington,” he said.
“Coming to a bench near you!”
Ards and North Down Mayor Alistair Cathcart was one of the first to join Paddington for a marmalade sandwich with many parents taking their kids to the location in recent weeks.
Many social media users have expressed anger and disgust online.
“I would like to catch the people who took Paddington off his seat,” one person commented.
Another wrote “Omg, this is why we can’t have nice things” alongside an angry face emoji while a third person asked “why are we surprised?”
Others expressed gratitude to the business for keeping Paddington safe as some speculated it was the smell of “your gorgeous chicken and bacon garlic junk fries” that lured him inside.
“You’d better go buy a jar of marmalade if he’s staying there,” one commentator advised.
“Why couldn’t they just leave the poor bear alone.”