Police want to speak to a taxi driver who dropped off four people shortly before they were spotted on CCTV vandalising the statue of King Alfred in Wantage.

Footage seized by police shows four people climbing on to the statue, breaking the axe at about 1.50am on Christmas Eve then running away along Wallingford Street and Mill Street.

Pc Darren James, investigating the incident, said the taxi driver may have valuable information.

Police are not currently releasing the CCTV footage to the public.

Pc James added: “I appeal to anyone who has information about how this damage happened to contact me and if you were responsible for this damage then I urge you to come forward.

“The repair will cost Wantage Town Council several thousand pounds.

“We have reviewed the CCTV and are in the process of identifying those responsible. The footage shows a taxi dropping four people off outside the Bear pub at 1.46am.

“I would like the driver of this taxi to come forward as I believe he could help with my investigation.

“There were two other taxis parked in the rank at this time and I would also like these drivers to come forward.

“At 1.51am the four people who had been previously dropped off then climbed on to the King Alfred statue, breaking the axe. They then were seen running away, three along Wallingford Street, and the other down Mill Street.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 08458 505505 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.