Locals in Wicklow Town have been baffled by the weekend disappearance of a 60ft-tall inflatable snowman.

The decoration was erected on top of the flat roof of a shop unit in the centre of the town on Saturday, as part of celebrations which involved the switching on of the town's Christmas lights.

However, it was noticed on Sunday night that it had disappeared.

The local Chamber of Commerce, whose members had invested heavily in decorating the town for Christmas, have appealed for the snowman's return.

Wicklow's Historic Gaol tourist attraction, in conjunction with the chamber, are running a Victorian Christmas themed festival in the run up to 25 December in an effort to attract shoppers and visitors to the town.

One theory being explored is that the snowman could have blown away in high winds on Sunday. However, so far, the large structure has not turned up.

It is understood that the decoration cost around €3,000 to purchase.

Local gardaí are investigating the disappearance.

However, at this stage they are keeping an open mind as to the reason for the snowman's disappearance.