MYSTERY surrounds the disappearance of bricks from a landmark bridge in Blandford.

Residents were left confused this morning when they noticed a large part of one wall of the County Bridge, in West Street, had disappeared.

Police were called and have taped across the gap in the wall, in a bid to prevent people falling into the River Stour below, while Dorset Council has also been notified.

However, they have released no details of how the damage was caused.

“We received a report at 7.04am from a member of public who reported seeing damage on a bridge in West Street in Blandford,” said a Dorset Police spokesperson.

“Officers attended and a cordon was put in place for the safety of members of the public as the local authority was notified. Officers left the scene at around 7.40am.”

Residents have taken to social media to discuss the missing bricks.

“Saw that on my way to work and two police (officers) stood scratching their heads,” one wrote. “Looks like almost like someone has cleanly removed the blocks.”

Another said: “Any chance a vehicle hit it overnight and the blocks are in the river and the car has gone on its way with some damage?”

“It needs to be strengthened anyway,” said another web user. “I’m surprised it has lasted as long as it has, (with) the volume of traffic and size of the trucks that cross it.”