DAMAGE to the statue of Little Jock did not occur as a result of a deliberate criminal act police believe.

The much-loved statue which is part of the Coulter’s Candy feature was discovered lying flat on its plinth in Market Square Galashiels last Sunday.

News of the damage quickly spread in the town with several hundred people expressing their anger on social media.

Police were contacted, took possession of Jock and launched an ‘extensive’ investigation into the circumstances.

No evidence of criminality was found and officers now believe that the statue had structural stability issues for some time which resulted in it falling.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Extensive enquiries have been carried out in relation to a report on Sunday, 29 August, of vandalism to a statue at Market Square in Galashiels and no criminality has been established.

“Police Scotland wish to thank members of the public who assisted with enquiries.”

It is understood that Jock will be returned to the foundry where he was made in the next few days and discussions are ongoing to arrange the return to his rightful place alongside Robert Coltart and Wee Jenny.