A STOLEN statue of the Virgin Mary has been replaced.

The ten-stone marble statue was taken from the street by Marias Gardens in Palmerston Road on August 7.

Parishioners described the theft of the £750 statue as ‘disgusting’.

Now, two weeks later, the statue has been replaced.

Christopher Theile, who lives next to Marias Gardens, installed the statue as a gift to the church.

He said: “I have been asked so many times where this icon of innocence has been gone.

“Too many had asked for her and it hurts having seen mothers explaining their children what happened and the expressions in their face turning to anxiety and uncertainty.

“Donations have been received from two parishes belonging to the Church of England and the Catholic Church.”

Mr Theile, 38, then paid the remainder of the cash to get Mary back as soon as possible.

The statue has been fitted in a ‘more robust’ way.

“If somebody likes to remove her now, he will need to destroy her. Let us hope this day will never come,” Mr Theile said.

“The statue is not the same, the snake she stands on is more visible and the globe she stands on is bigger.

“This shows the awareness of evil and its today’s vastness.

“Her face is younger and has more an expression of innocence than before. Although she seems to shed a tear with her right eye she approaches the visitor with joy.

“Welcome back.”

The five ft tall statue imported from Italy in January marked the site of a former church herb garden and gave an opportunity for passers-by to pray.

Cards, flowers, and donations of around £10 a week were regularly left at the feet of the figure.

Anything left is then donated to St Patrick’s Parish in Blackhorse Road.

It is believed it would have taken two people to lift the statue from the plinth.

A police spokeswoman confirmed the theft was being investigated but they have yet to make an arrest.

Anyone who has information concerning the theft is asked to contact Waltham Forest Police by dialling 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.