A statue of legendary golfer Seve Ballesteros, missing from his hometown of Pedreña in Spain’s Cantabria region, was discovered chopped into pieces as the thief reportedly planned to sell it for bronze.

Valued at €30,000 ($35,820) but deeply cherished by locals, the 100-kg statue was found in a Santander storage room, cut at the waist, with the torso and head intact but arms broken.

A 22-year-old man with a prior record for copper theft was arrested; authorities say others may be involved. Police focused on metal trading centres, suspecting the bronze was the motive.

Created in 2009 by Salvador Garcia Ceballos and permanently installed in 2017, the statue depicted Ballesteros celebrating his 1984 British Open win.

The golfing legend, known for his five major titles and charismatic play, passed away in 2011 at 54 after battling cancer.