A distinctive landmark for travellers using the A20 between Ashford and Charing has been stolen.

Sometime between 2pm and 10pm on Saturday, February 21, the large statue known as the yellow fisherman went missing from outside the fish and chip shop in the layby in Maidstone Road, Hothfield.

The 6ft tall man with a black beard has stood for years in the same spot, wearing a bright yellow mac and sou’wester, holding a large fish.

The heavy advertising symbol would need at least two people to move it.

Hothfield neighbourhood officer PC Chris Miller is appealing for witnesses to the unusual theft.

When the owners noticed it was missing they searched the area but failed to find it. However a group of local teenagers said they saw it being taken away in the back of a white lorry.

PC Miller, said: “The yellow fisherman is a well known character in the village and I am hoping someone saw him being removed, or knows where he is.”

Anyone with information can contact PC Chris Miller on 07980 770577 or call

South Kent Police on 01303 289180.