A SEAGULL sculpture that was created as a martyr for a disused tree has been stolen in Boscombe.

Earlier this year, a tree was cut down to its stump outside Bosconova cafe.

Environmental activist group Extinction Rebellion as well as councillors and residents gathered to protest the plant.

Now Martin, a multi-media artist from Christchurch who is inspired by nature, the environment, nature of time, and absurdism has created a seagull sculpture to keep the memory of the tree alive.

Days after the seagull was glued to the stump with gorilla glue, it was stolen.

Speaking on the sculpture, Martin said: “I felt sad about the tree being cut down and I knew that various businesses and the customers of those businesses felt a bit sad about it too.

“So, I thought one of the most popular bits of art that I make that has had lots of different commissions was papier mache birds, so I thought I'd make a larger one and use mod rock and epoxy resin to make it a bit more solid and weatherproof.

“I've had at least over 40 commissions on paper mache birds and one of the most popular ones is the seagull and we're close to the beach so that seemed to be the most appropriate one to go for.”

The seagull sculpture is planned to be replaced in the coming days and will also contain a tracker to prevent another theft.