Thames Valley Police is investigating after a cherished Peppa Pig hedge sculpture near Newton Purcell, Oxfordshire, was found with its head hacked off, an act described by its owners as a targeted and distressing attack.
Vandals Saw Off Head of Beloved Topiary
The hedge sculpture, located on Buckingham Road on the route towards Bicester, was discovered damaged between August 13 and 15, 2026. The head was removed with a saw and taken from the scene, according to Laura Hinton, whose family created and maintained the topiary.
Hinton said the damage across four separate stumps appeared deliberate. 'It has taken years to grow. This was distressing not only because of the nature of the vandalism but also the time, effort and dedication topiary takes,' she told reporters. 'Peppa was loved by the locals and by visitors alike. The head they cut off was not left at the scene.'
Police Appeal for Information After Deliberate Attack
The family believes the vandals brought their own saw to commit the act. 'They must have taken it with them. They must have also brought their own saw. This was a targeted act of vandalism that also suggests a level of concern for personal safety, as someone was around the property with a saw!' Hinton added.
Thames Valley Police confirmed they received a report of criminal damage. A spokesperson said: 'We have received a report of criminal damage on Buckingham Road, Newton Purcell, as you have described below. We would ask anyone with information, dash-cam or CCTV footage to contact the force.'
Community Devastated by Loss of Local Landmark
The Peppa Pig figure had become a well-known local landmark, requiring years of dedicated care from the Hinton family. The decapitation has left the owners and local residents devastated, according to Hinton. The investigation remains ongoing as police appeal for witnesses or anyone with footage to come forward.
