Pranksters leave 25ft model triceratops in centre of Isle of Wight high street
The triceratops is called Godshilla and is usually stationed in Godshill’s Jurassic Garden
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A 25ft model triceratops has been discovered in the centre of a high street on the Isle of Wight after pranksters dragged it into the road.
Local resident Chris Hollingshead snapped a picture of the model on his drive home from work in the early hours of Saturday morning when he discovered the replica dinosaur blocking the road.
“That priceless moment when you’re driving home from work at 3am and the road is blocked by a 20ft triceratops!!!” he wrote, posting the picture of the situation.
That priceless moment when you're driving home from work at 3am and the road is blocked by a 20ft Triceratops!!! #godblessbeer #someoneneedsamedal
Posted by Chris Hollingshead on Friday, 12 February 2016
The triceratops belongs to Martin Simpson, who owns Island Gems, a business in Godshill selling prehistoric gems and fossils. The model is from his ‘Jurassic Garden’ which features scientific specimens, models and Jurassic plants.
“It takes about five blokes to move the dinosaur a couple of inches, so it was definitely a concerted effort and drink was probably involved,” he told the BBC.
The model, named Godshilla, will be kept more securely after the incident, Mr Simpson added.
Local business owner Lisa Choi, who owns The Taverners opposite Island Gems, said this is not the first time people have had fun with the model dinosaur.
“It must be the same people who tied balloons round its neck and put tinsel over it for Christmas,” she told the Isle of Wight County Press. “They’ve gone one step further this time.”
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments