Police are hunting an arsonist suspected of torching the popular Snugburys Peter Rabbit statue in Nantwich.
The 38ft-straw sculpture was set ablaze in the field next to Snugburys overlooking the A51 at Hurleston last night (February 2).
Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service attended the scene and the fire was extinguished.
An investigation has been launched and officers from Crewe are carrying out a number of inquiries in a bid to trace those responsible.
Inspector Stuart York said: “Fortunately, no-one was injured as a result of the fire but the consequences could have been worse had the fire not been put out so quickly, given its proximity to a major road.
“We are currently following up a number of lines of enquiry and I am keen to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time and may have seen anyone acting suspiciously.
“If anyone believes that they have any information that could assist with our enquiries please come forward.”
Cheshire Fire & Rescue’s Station Manager Matt Barlow said: “Our Nantwich firefighters battled to save this well-known local landmark which was already well alight when they arrived.
“We are working closely with our colleagues at Cheshire Police to establish the cause of the fire and would urge anyone with any information to get in touch.”
Anyone with any information is urged to call Cheshire Police on 101 quoting incident number 742 of February 2.
Information can also be left anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.
So sorry to see this, it cheered me up every time I drove past.