Thieves used their own set of scaffolding to steal a valuable weathervane from the top of a historic monument on Brighton seafront.

They put up the scaffold to take the dolphin-shaped structure from the Madeira Lift.

A Brighton and Hove City Council spokesman said: "I can confirm we fear it has been stolen, possibly as long as three weeks ago. We've reported it to the police.

"A member of the public recalled seeing a scaffold tower up at one stage and this could be linked as we've not found anyone in the council or any of our contractors who put one up.

"It's a rotten thing for someone to do. Thefts of public property like this are committed by selfish and materialistic people who don't care they're depriving everyone.

"Some might call it cheeky. In fact, it's the work of a cheapskate.

"We are investigating sources of funding for a major restoration of the lift. If that ever happens, we could perhaps look at creating a replica. But even if that's feasible it would be very expensive."

It is not the first time the council has lost valuable artefacts. Thieves previously stole ornate lamps at the Aquarium Terraces.

The Madeira Lift, a listed building, has been in Brighton since 1890.