A community group has slammed "mindless" vandals after a Christmas statue was "decapitated".

The toy soldier statute is located near Worthing Pier at the entrance to the Royal Arcade.

The Worthing town centre initiative, a community interest company which installed the statues, has slammed the vandals.

The Argus: The decapitated soldier is located near Worthing PierThe decapitated soldier is located near Worthing Pier (Image: Sussex News and Pictures)

A spokeswoman for the company said: “The Worthing town centre initiative fund the Christmas lighting, toy soldier and Christmas Tree Trails and we hope they bring lots of festive pleasure to residents and visitors to Worthing. 

"There has been some damage this year, including the walkthrough Christmas Tree in South Street Square and a couple of the toy soldiers."

"Unfortunately one soldier was decapitated but we have located the head and we will rebuild him."

She added: "The Worthing town centre initiative will not let a few mindless individuals ruin the Christmas fun for the rest of Worthing, but unfortunately the costs of repairs and replacements does have an impact on what other lighting and fun activities we can provide in future years.”

Sussex Police were contacted for comment. In response, a spokeswoman said they had not received any reports of the incident.