The Kingston community has been thanked for its support after one of the town's colourful bears was vandalised and thrown in the River Thames.

Kingston First released at the start of the week to reveal 'Spectrum' - one of the Bear Trail bears - had been targeted by vandals over the weekend.

The organisation said was "really upset" by the news and had CCTV footage of the incident.

Updating locals on Tuesday (16 April) Kingston First revealed Spectrum had been retrieved from the water, thanks to the help of locals.

"We’re really upset to share that Spectrum, one of the bears that is part of our Bear Trail had been targeted by vandals and thrown into the River Thames over the weekend of the 13th April 2024. Fortunately, there is CCTV coverage and we are liaising with the police on this," Kingston First said.

"It’s been heart-warming to read all your concerned messages, we know how loved the beautiful bears are.

"We want to say a HUGE thank you to the wonderful community of Kingston who rallied to help save this lovely bear from the Thames. We wouldn’t have been able to get him back on dry land without them!

"Spectrum has now been admitted to the bear hospital for a check up, but we’ll let you know if he’s able to return to his rightful place in Kingston. Follow our social channels for any updates!"

The event, inspired by Michael Rosen's popular 'We're Going on a Bear Hunt' picture book, will run until 7 June.

Ten bears have been commissioned by Kingston First, Wild in Art and Walker Books for the first Kingston Bear Trail.

Alongside the bears "in unexpected places," Creative Youth has said a bear will be stationed outside FUSEBOX, Kingston's latest arts venue located underneath John Lewis.