The Mr Crowley bull has been affectionately coined ‘the Ozzy bull’
A much-loved sculpture with an emotional link to Ozzy Osbourne has been vandalised by yobs.
The Mr Crowley bull, affectionately coined ‘the Ozzy bull’ because of its artwork featuring the late Black Sabbath frontman, was damaged by vandals on Harborne High Street.
It is part of Birmingham’s Bulls in the City art trail, which features 40 larger-than-life bull sculptures in Birmingham city centre and city neighbourhoods.
READ MORE: Major call for action as Birmingham days away from tragic one year roads anniversary
READ MORE: Why 40 bulls are popping up all over Birmingham
The initiative, which runs until September, forms an immersive and adventurous trail for Brummies to follow and is run by Birmingham Hospice and the University of Birmingham.
At the end of the trail, each bull will be auctioned off to raise money for Birmingham Hospice.
A hospice spokesperson told BirminghamLive the Mr Crowley bull has been temporarily removed from Harborne High Street after it was left damaged on Tuesday, July 29.
They said: “It’s upsetting that one of our beloved bulls has been damaged on the trail but luckily we have fibreglass experts ready to repair the sculpture and we hope Mr Crowley will be back on the trail very soon.
“We have 39 other large sculptures and 88 small sculptures live across Birmingham, Harborne and Boldmere with the aim of raising vital funds for Birmingham Hospice. People can still collect Mr Crowley using the app code 6294 if they’re out on the trail.”
The bull has become a focal point in Harborne Village since the heavy metal star’s death. The sculpture has striking purple and pink flamed hooves and a mural of Ozzy on its side.
Throughout the summer, visitors can access maps to locate and admire each bull in the city. The exhibition will conclude on September 14, as children return to school.
Visitors are also encouraged to make a donation to the hospice while exploring the bulls.
Rebecca Richards, project lead for Bulls in the City, said: “Bulls in the City will contribute directly to the growth of the local economy this summer, bringing a huge wave of tourism to our city during the trail – University of Birmingham will be a real driver behind this as our Presenting Partner.
“This trail will not only bring enjoyment to local people and those travelling from further afield, but it will raise vital funds for Birmingham Hospice.”
A West Midlands Police spokesperson said: “We were called at around 2.45pm on Tuesday (29 Jul) to reports of criminal damage to statue on Harborne High Street.
“Officers have spoken to a number of witnesses and to local businesses and residents. We have also made enquiries around CCTV footage.
“Anyone with any information about the incident is asked to call 101 quoting 20/326205/25.”