A giant clown fish has been stolen from outside an aquatics centre in Letchworth, with an appeal issued for its safe return.

Sometime after Letchworth Aquatics on Leys Avenue closed for the day yesterday (June 25), a clown fish costume used to advertise the shop was stolen from outside.

In a Facebook post by the centre's social media manager, it says: "Yesterday, after the shop was shut, Nemo accidently got left outside. As a result, someone has decided to steal it.

"What is the world coming to where stealing a giant Nemo from someone's business is OK?

"The owners are new in the shop, and have only been there about three months.

"Why steal a giant Nemo? What are you actually going to do with it? It's costing people money.

"A tiny error, made because it was hot and everyone was trying to get home, and now [Nemo] has to be replaced because people can’t keep their hands to themselves.

"Return Nemo!"