Ringo Starr's shrub sculpture gets the chop after Beatle 'insults' Liverpool

So someone decided to cut Ringo Starr down to size.

Which is why the topiary recreation of the Beatles at a local railway station now features a headless drummer.

The artwork, which took 18 months to grow and shape, was unveiled two weeks ago.

But vandals targeted Ringo over the weekend, cutting off his head, which has yet to be found.

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Ticket to ride: The Fab Four outside the railway station last month

Bandmates John, Paul and George were unharmed.

It is thought topiary experts will be called in to repair the work at Liverpool South Parkway train station in Garston.

Starr upset Liverpudlians when he claimed there was 'nothing' he missed about the town in a TV interview with Jonathan Ross

Yesterday, there were whispers that an unfortunate comment from Ringo on Jonathan Ross's BBC chat show as long ago as January could be behind the attack.

Ringo, who appeared on the show a week after launching Liverpool's celebrations as the European Capital of Culture, told Ross he missed 'nothing' about the city.

Frank McKenna, of business network Downtown Liverpool, said the 67-year- old drummer had "shot himself in the foot".

"People have long memories and one can only think that this attack on his figure is calculated to send a message of disapproval over what he said," he explained.

"There are those who would see it as a reply, in a direct and revolutionary manner, to Ringo's comments."

A station worker said it was the second time the Fab Four artwork had been damaged.

"Last time someone squashed Ringo's head but this time the head has been completely cut off. Whoever did it must have come armed with cutting equipment."

British Transport Police are investigating and extra security is being considered.