Have you checked the children?
That's a question police are asking people in Melbourne's east - but the four children in police custody are heavy metal likenesses that may have been kidnapped.
Police admit they are puzzled by the rather unusual statue that they recovered last Thursday in Bayswater.
The bronze statue depicting four children sitting on a bench reading is thought to have been stolen.
Ringwood police were alerted by a scrap dealer who smelt a rat when two men tried to sell the piece for scrap metal.
The men claimed they had found the statue which, at 1.2 metres high and 1.2 metres wide, would not have been easy to move.
A Victorian Police spokeswoman said there was an artist's name on the back of the statue, but they've had no luck finding its owner.
She also said the piece must be relatively modern because one of the children was wearing cargo pants.
The men, aged 27 and 35 have been interviewed in relation to the alleged theft, and released pending further inquiries.
Police are appealing for further information, and will quiz anyone claiming the statue to make sure it is returned to it's rightful owner.
Anyone who may have information about the theft is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppers.com.au.
Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/heavy ... z1OphXCose
The Heavy Metal Kids
The Heavy Metal Kids
“If you trust in yourself, and believe in your dreams, and follow your star. . . you'll still get beaten by people who spent their time working hard and learning things and weren't so lazy.”