‘Henry’, said to be worth up to £10,000 (around €11,600), was abducted from the front garden of interior design expert Alison Cork MBE, the Evening Standard reports.

She described the statue as a “cherished family heirloom”, which has also served as a local landmark in the affluent Knightsbridge district of London.

“We are so upset, we have had Henry from when we moved into the house and I feel that the joy has been taken out of me after his theft,” Ms Cork said.

“He was like part of our family and bonded the community as well.”

Ms Cork has offered £1,000 (around €1,160) for Henry’s return.

Police have yet to comment on the hunt.