Story By: Feza Uzay, Sub-Editor: Marija Stojkoska, Agency:  Newsflash

Cops were called to investigate after the local council complained that somebody had stolen a massive concrete bridge – and they had no idea who.

Gomleksiz Bridge, located over Kirmir Stream in the neighbourhood of Dibecik in the Turkish province of Ankara, was built in 1936.

The 500-metre- (1,640-foot-) long reinforced concrete bridge, which was actively used by drivers between Ankara and Beypazari for 42 years, was heavily damaged in a flood disaster in 1978 and, as a result, was not in use when it was stolen.

Some parts of the bridge had even collapsed, and deep cracks had formed in other parts. But rather than repair it, a new bridge was constructed nearby later the same year.

But now the dormant Gomleksiz Bridge, which had remained idle for 44 years, was reportedly removed by a scrap dealer about 10 days ago.

The large concrete slabs were broken up and loaded onto trucks in pieces, according to local reports.

Meanwhile, local residents admitted they had seen what was going on, but did not report the incident to the authorities because they presumed the bridge had been legally sold off.

An investigation was launched a few days later when the police were notified by the local council that the bridge had been stripped, only leaving the concrete base behind.

During the investigation and review of the CCTV images in the surrounding area, it was determined that the bridge had been stolen by a scrap dealer, identified by his initials Z.K., who was placed under arrest.

Z. K. reportedly applied to the local authorities to scrap the disused bridge, but was knocked back.

He then allegedly rented construction machines and vehicles, stripped the bridge, and sold the materials to other scrap dealers in Ankara.

He reportedly earned around TRY 500,000 (GBP 27,000), and the demolition and transportation of the bridge parts took four days in total.

The investigation continues.