Missing lifesize Shrek statue puzzles police after monstrosity vanishes without a trace

Police have been left baffled by the strange disappearance of a lifesize tribute to Shrek with authorities issuing an alert as the hunt continues to recover the frightful lurid green statue.

The sculpture, which depicts Mike Meyer's iconic ogre in his classic vest, weighs a whopping 91 kilograms.

The Shreknapping has baffled authorities in the US, with the Hatfield Police Department in Massachusetts calling on whoever stole the ode to the ogre to return him to his swamp.

Police shared an image of the grotesque take on the legendary Dreamworks character, alongside the text: "Have you seen me?"

"This approximately 91 kilogram cement Shrek sculpture has gone missing from his home on Mountain Road.

"If you have any information of his current whereabouts please reach out to our department or return him in the condition you found him."

They added in the online statement: "The dragon sculpture he lives with is frustrated and lonely."

Social media users were thrilled to hear the news that not only was there a manhunt (or Shrekhunt) ongoing for the missing ogre, but that it even existed.

One user said: "I have so many questions."

Another added: "This is the funniest thing I’ve ever seen, hands down."

A third commented: "Just read that someone was robbed of a 200 pound Shrek statue. Remember when people thought we would have flying cars by now? Nope. We have Shrek."

Fair point, really.

But we wouldn't change it for a thing. After all, Shrek is love, Shrek is life.

And Shrek is… gone?

But hopefully not for too long. Police are urging anyone with any leads in the Shreknapping to get in touch.

It is currently unknown if the hideous idol has wandered off on a quest with his trusty sidekick, Donkey.

However, it seems unlikely as the likeness is made from solid cement.

Shrek, who enjoys hanging out swamps and the 1999 banger 'All Star' by Smash Mouth, shot to fame in the 2001 Dreamworks film named after its titular lead character.

The films parody other fairy tales, and launched a string of sequels and spin-off movies about the antisocial, territorial ogre and his friends.

But there is some good news for those with an ogre-sized shape in their hearts.

Eddie Murphy is dead keen on reprising his iconic role of Donkey in the Shrek Cinematic Universe.

The legendary comedian and actor was asked about his thoughts on whether we'd ever get to see Shrek 5 in the cinemas.

So fingers crossed. For both the film and the hideous statue and its safe return.