A wooden sculpture of an eel has been damaged for the second time in six weeks and this time it might be irreparable.

A frustrated County Press reader has asked why anyone would do it, sending us a picture of the damage.

The carved artwork sits on Connie's Way, which runs alongside the River Medina, between Matalan to Asda.

Natural Enterprise has confirmed it was deliberately damaged on either Friday night, or Saturday morning.

Isle of Wight County Press: How the Connie's Way eel looks now and before, from a video by kittikoko.

A spokesperson for the organisation said: "It is not the first time it has been attacked.

"It is much loved by old and young as they walk along Connie’s Way but, after repeated repairs, we don’t think it will now be possible to patch it up and it will cost us too much to replace.

"It would be a great shame if it is lost."

Our reader, who also sent a picture of the damage, said: "During these difficult times, walks are so appreciated and enjoyed by many.

"[So much] work that has gone into creating this lovely thing."

See the eel in situ, via this YouTube video, by Kittikoko.