Paddington vandals strike as bear’s bench smashed to pieces AGAIN

Paddington vandals strike as bear’s bench smashed to pieces AGAINA bench housing a Paddington Bear statue has been singled out by vandals in what one local group described as a 'sad day for Southampton' - it's only the latest attack on the beloved bearCommentsNewsBenedict Tetzlaff-Deas News Reporter12:19, 14 Apr 2026Updated 12:27, 14 Apr 2026View 4 ImagesPaddington Bear is being 'kept safe' after vandals struck in Southampton(Image: GO! Southampton/Solent News)Paddington Bear has been vandalised again - this time by yobs who smashed up the beloved bear's bench.‌The likeness of the iconic marmalade-eating bear has become an unlikely target for mindless vandals, with the latest incident leaving Paddington searching for a new home.‌Photographs show the legs and several slats missing from the wooden street furniture in Southampton after the attacker struck on Sunday.‌The incident has been reported to police, while the council is working to repair the bench and find a new location for the bear.READ MORE: Ex-Nato boss warns Britain's security 'in peril' in searing warning to Keir StarmerREAD MORE: Fleetwood Mac star's alleged stalker arrested after 'birth father' claimView 4 ImagesThe damaged bench where the Paddington statue once sat(Image: GO! Southampton/Solent News)Locals have asked online why "people ruin everything", and suggested putting up CCTV in the area to prevent further incidents.The statue was unveiled in October 2024 as one of 23 Paddington statues that were installed across the country to celebrate the cinema release of Paddington in Peru. The 42-inch-high statue features Paddington with his iconic red hat and blue overcoat holding a marmalade sandwich. It was located near the Westquay shopping centre in Southampton city centre.‌View 4 ImagesIt comes after two men caused thousands of pounds worth of damage after vandalising a Paddington statue in Newbury(Image: Thames Valley Police / SWN...