EXCLUSIVE: video shows Spectrum the bear in Thames as group 'celebrates' nearby
A Chessington resident says he has captured video footage of a group of men "celebrating" next to a local art installation floating in the Thames.
The video shows a group of six men, some shouting and cheering, outside Fusebox at 10:07pm on 13 April.
Spectrum, the multicoloured bear from the Kingston Bear Hunt, is seen floating in the river nearby.
The witness, who wishes to remain anonymous, alleges they saw the group throw the statue into the water seconds before the video begins.
Describing the scene, the witness told Nub News: "By the time I got my phone out and in video mode, the bear was bobbing up and down in the river. I just caught the a**holes jumping and celebrating."
"I don't like to see stuff like that," they added.
A spokesperson from Kingston First, the organisation who organised the Kingston Bear Hunt Trail, says they are "deeply shocked and saddened" by the incident.
"This story is about more than just vandalism. It is about the community spirit in Kingston," they added.
The spokesperson described how the statue was "weighted down, so [would have] required considerable force" to move.
Spectrum the bear was rescued the following day after being spotted downstream near Steven's Eyot by a concerned local, who attached it to their boat.
Neighbours quickly rallied to help move Spectrum to shallower water where the statue could be retrieved for repairs.
The spokesperson continued: "Kingston First expresses immense gratitude to these individuals, whose actions exemplify the true spirit of our community.
"The overwhelming concern and support expressed by members of the public are truly heartwarming. We understand how cherished these beautiful bears are within our community.
"Despite this setback, the Kingston Bear Hunt Trail remains active, and we're hopeful for Spectrum's eventual restoration and inclusion into the trail."
A mural by local artist Jeru Nomi has been commissioned by arts venue Fusebox in Spectrum's absence.
Kingston First has raised the matter with the police, and CCTV footage has been shared with them, saying: "We would like to urge any witnesses or individuals with information to come forward and assist the authorities in their investigation."
Nub News has contacted the Kingston Town policing team regarding the video and will provide it in full once an officer responds.
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