Thieves have stolen a large bronze sculpture by one of Britain's most important modern sculptors from a London park. The sculpture by Barbara Hepworth, called "Two Forms (Divided Circle)," was discovered missing Tuesday Dec. 20 2011, after it was ripped from its plinth in south London's Dulwich Park. Local government officials said they will ask police and their metal theft unit to investigate the matter immediately. The theft came after Metropolitan Police on Monday dedicated a unit to tackle those who steal cables and car metal parts for scrap metal _ a growing problem as prices for copper, lead and bronze soar. AP Photo / Southwark Council.

Thieves have stolen a large bronze sculpture by one of Britain's most important modern sculptors from a London park.

The sculpture by Barbara Hepworth, called "Two Forms (Divided Circle)," was discovered missing Tuesday morning after it was ripped from its plinth in south London's Dulwich Park.

Local government officials said they will ask police and their metal theft unit to investigate the matter immediately.

The theft came after Metropolitan Police on Monday dedicated a unit to tackle those who steal cables and car metal parts for scrap metal — a growing problem as prices for copper, lead and bronze soar.

The sculpture had been insured for 500,000 pounds (US$783,080) and is considered one of Hepworth's most important later works.

Local officials are offering a reward of 1,000 pounds for information leading to the arrest of the thieves.

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.