A man has been arrested after an attempt was made to steal a statue of Harpenden comedian Eric Morecambe.

Lancashire Constabulary was called to Marine Road Central in Morecambe following reports that the statue had been damaged.

A 32-year-old man from Morecambe has been arrested on suspicion of attempted theft and remains in custody.

Morecambe, best known for his role in the TV series The Morecambe & Wise Show, lived in Harpenden until his death on May 28, 1984.

The Queen unveiled the bronze figure on the promenade in July 1999 and was joined by Morecambe's widow, Joan, and his children, Gary, Gail and Steven.

Only the statue's standing foot remains after the rest of it was placed in the back of a council van and driven away for repairs.