Man Accused of Stealing Pele Statue's Arms

A 19-year-old homeless man faces four years in prison after being arrested for sawing off the arms of a bronze statue of Pele, the Brazilian football legend, to sell for scrap.

Police said the man, Jackson Conceicao, was arrested on Wednesday in the north-eastern Brazilian city of Salvador. He is also accused of stealing a bronze replica of the World Cup trophy that was held aloft by the Pele statue.

Stolen in mid-June, the metal fetched 100 reals (£27.50) after being melted down, according to the district police chief, Omar Andrade Leal.

Mr Conceicao, who has been charged with theft, was released while awaiting trial.

The life-sized Pele statue outside the Fonte Nova stadium in Salvador will be restored and moved inside the stadium. It was inaugurated in March 1971, shortly after Brazil won its third World Cup in Mexico.

Police were led to Mr Conceicao by other people who live on the streets near the stadium. Police are looking for another homeless man who they believe helped him.

A surge in global commodities prices has prompted thieves to steal copper and alloys such as bronze.