A 200-year-old statue in the grounds of Mount Edgcumbe House has been destroyed by vandals.

The head of the Venus de Medici was removed and the rest was smashed. It was one of three classical statues on the Belvedere and had overlooked the Italian Garden since the early 19th century.

Park manager Ian Berry said: 'The Italian Garden is stunning. This statue was an integral part and the damage is irreparable.'

The damage was discovered by members of the country park's gardening team.