Queen guitarist Brian May has vowed to look into why the estate of Freddie Mercury requested that a gorilla model inspired by the late singer be removed.

A 5ft sculpture which paid tribute to the legendary music star was erected in Norwich recently as part of a larger charity art trail of gorilla models.

However, the Freddie Mercury estate asked for the gorilla statue to be removed due to its apparent infringement of copyright. It was taken away on Monday (July 8).

Brian May was questioned by a fan on Twitter about the incident, to which he replied: "I don't know anything about this. I'll find out. Thanks - Bri."

A spokeswoman for the gorilla's sponsor Brandbank meanwhile told the BBC:

"We, like everyone else, have been taken aback by the passionate responses to the request by the Freddie Mercury estate that Radio Go Go [the gorilla] be removed due to a suggestion of possible breach of copyright.

"We have spoken to one of the executives of the estate and are endeavouring to see if we can resolve this so that there's a positive outcome for all the charities involved. Our priority is that the event is a success for the charities involved, while respecting the wishes of copyright owners and fans of Freddie Mercury."