POLICE have warned the kidnappers of a scarecrow that put the brakes on speeding motorists, to return her.

The scarecrow, Nancy, who was made to look like a policewoman, was taken from outside her owner's home in Middleton-in-Teesdale, County Durham, last week.

Police have warned the culprits that they have the registration number of their car and will carry out an investigation into her disappearance.

Nancy was put up outside Stella Anderson's home at the entrance to the village as part of Middleton-in-Teesdale carnival's scarecrow competition.

However, her lifelike appearance, complete with a vacuum cleaner handle disguised as a speed gun, meant passing motorists slowed down as they passed her.

Witnesses saw Nancy being bundled into a silver Ford Focus car at 3pm on Thursday.

Acting Inspector Bill Dutton said: "She was attracting quite a bit of attention as she was slowing down cars, so this is a bit of a local tragedy, but we are working on it.

"We have got the registration number, so we are doing inquiries.

"If the culprits want to return it to the owner, I am sure she would appreciate it."

Nancy had already attracted unwanted attention when vandals knocked her head off and she had to be repaired.