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Published 15:42 IST, December 2nd 2020

UK cops solve mystery around abandoned ceramic elephants, say it was ‘gesture of kindness’

The mystery over a herd of ornamental ceramic elephants that had appeared on the doorsteps of some residents in St Helens, UK, has now been solved.

Reported by: Bhavya Sukheja
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The mystery over a herd of ornamental ceramic elephants that had appeared on the doorsteps of some residents in St Helens, England, has now been solved. According to BBC, the 64-strong collection appeared on Vincent Street overnight between Thursday and Friday, leaving residents and police dumbfounded. However, now an elderly man has come forward and told the cops that he had tried to share his late wife’s trinkets to mark the first anniversary of her death. 

The unexpected arrival of the ceramic elephants had prompted residents to weigh in with their own theories and tall tales. The residents had speculated that the ornamental pieces could have been a “way for thieves to test” if someone is home. They had even said that in some cultures such as Brazilians and Chinese, elephants bring good luck, good health and are guardians of the home. 

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The mystery now, however, has been solved. Sergeant Andy Halfpenny, of Merseyside Police, said that he would like to thank those people who made the cops aware of the presence of the elephants out of genuine uncertainty about why they were there. He added that thankfully it has now been confirmed that the motivation was sheer kindness. 

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He said, "Thankfully it has now been confirmed the motivation was sheer kindness and the ornaments were left on doorsteps as a touching gesture by an elderly man in honour of his late wife who had collected them”. 

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Netizens say ‘sweet but heartbreaking’ 

Meanwhile, after the police shared that the ornaments were a gesture of kindness, several internet users flooded the comment section with heartwarming praises. While one user wrote, “I wonder if this poor chap has any family or friends? Hate the thought of him being alone on Christmas Day with no Christmas dinner. My first Christmas without my Mum this year. Would happily make extra dinner for him if needed,” another added, “Such a sweet gesture but heartbreaking”. One user also added, “Hope the lovely Gent, is ok, just heartbreaking”. 

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Updated 15:41 IST, December 2nd 2020