A 4-metre-tall statue of Vincent van Gogh has been stolen from the centre of Assen in what is probably an end of year prank, local broadcaster RTV Drenthe reported on Tuesday.

The statue was erected at the end of the Kop van de Vaart waterway as part of an exhibition of the artist’s work at the Drents Museum which will run until January 7.

A text left on a piece of cardboard attached to the empty pedestal reads: “Last night I had a bit of a scare, I am now plying my brush elsewhere”.

“My phone exploded”, city centre activity manager Kjeld Vosjan told the broadcaster. “We have little idea about the whereabouts of the statue as yet. We’re glad about the sign, which tells us it’s a prank. But we really would like it back.”

Vosjan said there may be camera footage which could lead tot he culprits but if this is a News Years Eve stunt the statue is unlikely to be returned until January 1.