Crucified Father Christmas ‘artwork’ on Norwich house is reported to the police

The crucified Santa Claus, pictured, has become something of a talking point for people in the Silver Road area since it was put up outside a house at the junction with Wodehouse Street a few days before Christmas.

The installation has prompted anger from some with one man, who did not want to be named, reporting the matter to police.

The 69-year-old said: 'I thought it was disgusting.'

The man, who confirmed he had made a complaint to police, he had since been told officers had been to see the person responsible and were told it would be taken down at the start of the New Year, although it is still there.

Clem Cudiddlehopper, 74, who used to run a second-hand shop from the site on Wodehouse Street and created the work, said: 'It's Christmas – It's something different, just something designed to get some thinking.

'That's what it's all about – you ask a kid what Christmas is all about and it's Santa, nothing about religion. It's Santa or presents.'

Mr Cudiddlehopper, who put it up the week before Christmas, said the police have been to see him three times asking that he takes it down.

He said: 'I was going to take it down on January 2. A lot of people going to work haven't seen it yet so I might leave it up for people to see. I think its a piece of art – I've had plenty of art students say it is.'

A 25-year-old man and his 22-year-old girlfriend, who lived near the work but did not want to be named, said they did not feel offended by it, but added 'it was nice'.

A spokesman for Norfolk police said: 'Norfolk Constabulary was contacted on the evening of Monday 19 December by a member of the public who reported that he had found an external Christmas decoration on a property in Silver Road, Norwich, to be religiously offensive.

'Officers have attended the property and spoken to those involved to resolve the situation. The matter has not been referred to the CPS.'