APRIL FOOLS! 
 

HIGH Wycombe's iconic red lion statue has disappeared overnight. 

The historic relic, which was handcrafted by Colin Mantripp, who spent months painstakingly restoring the statue at Lillyfee Woodcarving Studio in Wooburn back in 2017, has suddenly vanished.

It has stood proudly in the town for many many years steeped in history including links to former Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli since 2017, who made his first political speech from the portico over the door of the hotel. 

The iconic lion, which has more than 200 years of history, has also been linked to Winston Churchill, who made election speeches standing on the portico next to the statue in 1945.

The town has been left baffled to hear that the statue has disappeared from the High Street.

Residents are completely shocked to see the well-known landmark vanish as such an important feature of Wycombe's history. 

Mrs Kat Isgone suggested the lion may have been removed for structural repairs following the recent bad weather.

She recalled a storm in January 1990 when the lion was blown off the portico and smashed to pieces when it crashed onto the pavement.

These pieces were gathered up and wheeled away to the back of the store in three large supermarket trolleys.

Mrs Isgone added:"It wouldn't surprise me if the council were being extra cautious and safe with it. I remember how much money was raised to try and restore it and bring it back to its full glory.

"They probably just want to preserve it as best as they can, what with all the heavy rain and wind recently. After all cats really don't like to get wet do they!"

Mary Pride expressed her shock after noticing the statue missing this morning (April 1). 

She said: "It's such a shame to see it gone. The Red Lion is such an important asset in the town centre and makes High Wycombe special and unique compared to other towns.

"I hope it finds its way back soon!"