Police are appealing for information to help them trace an ornamental stone lion that was stolen from a garden in Edinburgh.

The lion was stolen from the garden in Tantallon Place sometime between 10pm on Monday (August 13th), and 8am the following day.

The ornament - valued at £500 - has sat in the garden since 1890, where four generations of the same family have enjoyed its company.

It is made of solid stone and measures 41ins long, 15ins wide, and 30ins high.

At around the same time the lion was stolen, two stone plant pots were stolen from another front garden in Strathearn Place, which is nearby.

The vase-shaped plant pots have also been in the garden for over 100 years. They are around 2ft tall, and worth £200 for the pair.

In both cases, it is believed that a vehicle would have been used to transport the stolen items.

A spokesman for Lothian and Borders Police said: 'These items have obvious sentimental value to their owners, and we are keen that they are returned safely and as soon as possible.

'We want anyone who has been offered these items for sale, or who has information that can lead us to those responsible for the thefts, to contact us immediately.'

Anyone with any information should contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131, or Crimestoppers in confidence and complete anonymity on 0800 555 111.

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